Abstract: The present invention provides a method of expressing at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence in a cell, the method comprising introducing at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence into a cell by infecting said cell with a recombinant negative-strand RNA virus vector comprising said at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence, wherein the recombinant negative-strand RNA virus vector includes a viral genome coding for a mutated P protein, which leads to a loss of the viral genome replication ability without a loss of the viral transcription ability, and wherein said at least one heterologous nucleic acid sequence encodes a cellular reprogramming or programming factor or a therapeutic protein. In addition, the present invention provides a cell or a population of cells prepared in vitro by said method as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising said cell or population of cells.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus-Herpesvirus vaccines or compositions. The invention encompasses recombinant NDV vectors encoding and expressing herpesvirus pathogen, antigens, proteins, epitopes or immunogens. Such vaccines or compositions can be used to protect animals against disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of viral vectors expressing different immunogens from the West Nile Encephalitis Virus (WNV) or the Dengue virus which are able to induce protective humoral and cellular immune responses against WNV or Dengue virus infections. More specifically, the present invention relates to three (3) antigens from WNV (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (E), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-M-E) and the NSI protein) and from Dengue virus (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (e), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-m-e) and the nsl protein) and their use in vaccinal, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Herpes simplex-2 viruses that may be used in vaccines to immunize patients against genital herpes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kits and methods for efficiently generating 5? capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for use of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA molecules. In particular, the present invention provides kits and methods for capping RNA using a modified cap nucleotide and a capping enzyme system, such as poxvirus capping enzyme. The present invention finds use for in vitro production of 5?-capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for in vitro or in vivo production of polypeptides by in vitro or in vivo translation of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA. The invention also provides methods and kits for capturing or isolating uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5?-diphosphate, and methods and kits for using a capping enzyme system and modified cap nucleotides for labeling uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5?-diphosphate with detectable dye or enzyme moieties.

Abstract: Reverse engineering has offered new ways of studying the pathology of RNA viral infections, new more efficient devices of synthesizing recombinant viruses and developing vaccines and also demonstrated the versatility and efficiency of RNA dependent RNA polymerase RDRP system as an expression system. However, the currently used methods require a repertoire of complex, difficult-to-use tools. Present invention describes, a simpler plasmid based mammalian expression system that uses the RDRP enzyme activity for expression of recombinant proteins or RNA from viral minigenomes and rescue of recombinant viruses from cDNAs encoding entire genome(s) of negative stranded RNA viruses. This system will be useful for expression of recombinant proteins, therapeutic RNA molecules including anti-sense and/or selecting interfering RNA and Ribozymes. This system can also be used for gene therapy and producing recombinant viruses for production of new vaccines.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a composition for developing novel anti-cancer drugs and/or vaccines and producing microRNA precursor (pre-miRNA) and/or its shRNA homologues/mimics/derivatives, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a use of a composition in producing novel prokaryote-produced microRNA precursor (pro-miRNA) capable of being delivered into human cells and processed by the cells into microRNA-like effectors to elicit specific silencing effects on certain targeted oncogenes, subsequently leading to a therapeutic result of tumor suppression and cancer therapy. Specifically, the method of the present invention includes inducing an expression of the pre-miRNA/pro-miRNAs, particularly human pre-miR-302, in prokaryotes through pol-2 or pol-2-like RNA promoter.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are drawn to processes for moving a region of interest in a polynucleotide from a first position to a second position with regard to a domain within the polynucleotide, also referred to as a “reflex method”. In certain embodiments, the reflex method results in moving a region of interest into functional proximity to specific domain elements present in the polynucleotide (e.g., primer sites and/or MID). Compositions, kits and systems that find use in carrying out the reflex processes described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing an immune response or reaction, as well as to vaccines, kits, processes, cells and uses thereof. This invention more particularly relates to compositions and methods of using a synthetic viral particle to produce, modify or regulate an immune response in a subject. In a more preferred embodiment, the invention is based, generally, on compositions using synthetic viral particles as an adjuvant and/or vehicle to raise an immune response against selected antigen(s) or epitopes, in particular a cellular and/or a humoral immune response.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are drawn to processes for moving a region of interest in a polynucleotide from a first position to a second position with regard to a domain within the polynucleotide, also referred to as a “reflex method”. In certain embodiments, the reflex method results in moving a region of interest into functional proximity to specific domain elements present in the polynucleotide (e.g., primer sites and/or MID). Compositions, kits and systems that find use in carrying out the reflex processes described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides new transcription termination signal sequences, especially a polynucleotide comprising at least two consecutive transcription termination signals, characterized in that said consecutive transcription termination signals comprise at least a first and a second transcription termination signal that are at most 1000 nucleotides apart, and at least one of the termination signal has or encodes a RNA hairpin structure.

Abstract: Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV 18 E6 and E7. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HPV are disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), the etiologic agent of infectious pancreatic necrosis in salmonid fish, causes significant losses to the aquaculture industry. The gene for the viral capsid protein (VP2) was cloned into a yeast expression vector and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisae. Expression of the capsid gene in yeast resulted in formation of approximately 20 nanometer sub-viral particles composed solely of VP2 protein. Anti-IPNV antibodies were detected in rainbow trout vaccinated either by injection of purified VP2-subviral particles (rVP2-SVP) or by feeding recombinant yeast expressing rVP2-SVP. Challenge of rVP2-SVP immunized trout with a heterologous IPNV strain and subsequent viral load determination showed that both injection and orally vaccinated fish had lower IPNV loads than naive or sham-vaccinated fish.

Abstract: Methods for producing interfering RNA molecules in mammalian cells are provided. Therapeutic uses for the expressed molecules, including inhibiting expression of HIV, are also provided.

Abstract: Classical swine fever virus is a world-wide distributed highly-contagious disease affecting swine. The two main strategies for diseases control are prophylactic vaccination and non-vaccination stamping out policies. Marker vaccines are a promising strategy. Here we report the rational development of a doubly antigenic marker CSFV experimental live attenuated candidate strain vaccine (Flag/T4 virus). Flag/T virus (Flag/T4v) is based in the combination of two Brescia derived recombinant attenuated viruses: RB-C22 and T4. RB-C22v contains a 19mer insertion in the structural glycoprotein E1, while T4v posses mutated CSFV amino acid residues 830 to 834 in the structural glycoprotein E2, deleting the highly conserved epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) WH303. Flag/T4 virus contains a positive foreign antigenic marker, due to the insertion of the highly antigenic epitope Flag in the 19mer insertion of E1, as well as a negative antigenic marker, the lack of reactivity with mAb WH303.

Abstract: An adenoviral VA1 Pol III expression system for RNAi expression is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved biotechnological production of riboflavin (also referred herein as vitamin B2) through modification in the operon containing the riboflavin biosynthetic genes (rib operon), in particular modifications of/in the leader sequences (rib leader) upstream of the corresponding riboflavin biosynthetic genes (rib operon). Furthermore, the present invention relates to genetically engineered microorganisms carrying said modified sequences, processes to generate said modified sequences/microorganisms and the use thereof for production of riboflavin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an SRSV detection kit comprising all antibodies against SRSV-related virus constituting peptides selected from the following peptide groups (a) to (k), respectively: (a) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and the like, (b) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and the like, (c) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, and the like, (d) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4, and the like, (e) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5, and the like, (f) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 6, and the like, (g) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 7, and the like, (h) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8, and the like, (i) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 9, and the like, (j) a peptide having an amino acid sequence repre

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting genomic DNA fragments which are useful for providing a plant with an agriculturally advantageous improvement. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: 1) preparing genomic DNA from a plant, which is then cloned into a cloning vector to form a genomic DNA library; 2) introducing a genomic fragment from each of the genomic clones constituting the genomic DNA library separately into a plant to produce transgenic plants; 3) cultivating the transgenic plants or progeny thereof to select a plant exhibiting an agriculturally advantageous phenotypic variation; and 4) selecting the genomic DNA fragment, which was introduced in step (2) into the plant selected in step (3), as a purposed genomic DNA fragment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through RNA trans-splicing that target a highly expressed pre-mRNA and contain the coding sequence for antibody polypeptide(s). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with the target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) that is abundantly expressed or tumor specific and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding an antibody polypeptide. The invention provides for the in vivo production of chimeric RNA molecules that encode and result in the production of an antibody polypeptide that is therapeutically effective against, for example, infectious agents, cancer cells, transplantation antigens, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an immunomodulator, which has a high safety and can be effectively incorporated into cells, and a method of producing the same. A double-stranded RNA originating in a lactic acid bacterium; an immunomodulator comprising the double-stranded RNA originating in a lactic acid bacterium as the active ingredient; and a method of producing the double-stranded RNA originating in a lactic acid bacterium. Lactic acid bacterial cells belonging to the genus Tetragenococcus, Pediococcus, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, etc. can produce a double-stranded RNA having an immunomodulation effect therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for controlling the copy number for a broad range of plasmids and uses thereof. Disclosed is a host cell for conditional control of copy number of a plasmid, which host cell comprises a poly(A) polymerase gene that is operably joined to a conditionally inducible promoter, and a method for cloning and stably maintaining a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide in the host cell.

Abstract: Translation of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is mediated by the interaction of ribosomes and cellular proteins with an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) located within the 5?untranslated region (5?UTR). We have investigated whether small RNA molecules corresponding to the different stem-loop (SL) domains of the HCV IRES, when introduced in trans, can bind to the cellular proteins and antagonize their binding to the viral IRES, thereby inhibiting HCV IRES-mediated translation. We have found that an RNA molecule corresponding to SL III of the HCV IRES could efficiently inhibit HCV IRES-mediated translation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cap-dependent translation. The SL III RNA was also found to bind efficiently to most of the cellular proteins which interacted with the HCV 5?UTR. A smaller RNA corresponding to SL e+f of domain III also strongly and selectively inhibited HCV IRES-mediated translation.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for delivering A3G genes into human cells comprising (i) a gene expression block including an A3G gene selected from a wild type A3G gene represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a mutant A3G gene and (ii) a group of elements from a modified lentiviral vector including lentiviral regions of packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS; wherein said A3G gene is operably linked to the packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of performing an array analysis, the method including contacting a sample of RNA with an analogous DNA set to provide a DNA/RNA duplex, contacting the DNA/RNA duplex with an enzyme having a DNA:RNA nuclease activity to provide a digested RNA sample, and contacting the digested RNA sample with an array under conditions sufficient to provide for specific binding to the array. The array typically is then interrogated. Kits in accordance with the invention are also described which include an analogous DNA set and an array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting human retroviral nucleic acids such as human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) nucleic acid, human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) nucleic acid, and human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) nucleic acid in a sample. In the method, the sample is treated with reverse transcriptase to generate cDNA, and the cDNA is subsequently analyzed to detect HIV-1, HTLV-I, and HTLV-II. The method may include performing PCR and the method may utilize specific primers. In addition, the method may utilize HTLV linkers that facilitate PCR amplification and sequencing. The cDNA may be treated with restriction enzymes before or after PCR amplification to facilitate sequencing and detection of HIV-1, HTLV-I, or HTLV-II nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of detecting a virus in an avian tissue sample wherein genetic material derived from feathers is tested for the presence of genetic material from the virus.

Abstract: Methods of screening candidate agents to identify potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel polynucleotides, and related vectors, host cells, methods, and compositions, containing transcriptional enhancers providing very high levels of expression of operably-linked expressible nucleic acid sequences in eukaryotic cells. Advantageously the enhancers may be used in combination with their naturally-associated promoters and/or other genetic elements that increase transcription. The invention comprises eukaryotic expression vectors that are capable of providing increased levels of expression in many cell types over that obtainable from human or murine CMV IE enhancer/promoter elements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting the presence of an enterovirus in a clinical sample. The invention additionally discloses a method for typing an enterovirus in a clinical sample. Both methods employ a set of primer oligonucleotides for reverse transcription and amplification that hybridize to conserved regions of the enterovirus genome, and that provide amplicons that include significant portions of the VP1 region that are characteristic of the various serotypes. In the typing method, the invention further provides a database consisting of nucleotide sequences from prototypical enteroviral serotypes, which is used to type the clinical sample by comparing the sequence of its amplicon with each prototypical sequence in the database. The invention additionally provides mixtures of primer oligonucleotides, and a kit for use in conducting the typing method that includes a mixture of the primer oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention provides a nodavirus RNA1 molecule modified to include a heterologous insertion which is downstream of its replicase ORF and, preferably, its B2 ORF. The insertion preferably comprises one or more protein-coding regions. The modified RNA1 may be packaged in a VLP, such as a papillomavirus VLP. The small size of nodavirus RNA1 makes it ideal for HPV packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to post-transfusional non-A non-B hepatitis viral polypeptide, DNA sequences encoding such viral polypeptide, expression vectors containing such DNA sequences, and hosts transformed by such expression vectors. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in diagnostic assays and vaccine formulations.

Abstract: Methods and products for the evaluation of HIV treatment are provided. The methods are based on evaluating molecular events at the HIV integrase resulting in altered therapeutic efficacy of tho investigated compounds. The methods rely on providing an integrase gene and evaluating either through integrase gene genotyping or phenotyping.

Abstract: A unique HCV RNA molecule is provided having an enhanced efficiency of establishing cell culture replication. Novel adaptive mutations have been identified within the HCV non-structural region that improves the efficiency of establishing persistently replicating HCV RNA in cell culture. This self-replicating polynucleotide molecule contains, contrary to all previous reports, a 5?-NTR that can be either an A as an alternative to the G already disclosed and therefore provides an alternative to existing systems comprising a self-replicating HCV RNA molecule. The G->A mutation gives rise to HCV RNA molecules that, in conjunction with mutations in the HCV non-structural region, such as the G(2042)C/R mutations, possess greater efficiency of transduction and/or replication. These RNA molecules when transfected in a cell line are useful for evaluating potential inhibitors of HCV replication.

Abstract: The inventive method of producing a eukaryotic viral vector comprises contacting a eukaryotic cell, which comprises a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, with a recombinant phage vector, or contacting a eukaryotic cell, which does not comprise a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, with (i) a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, and (ii) a recombinant phage vector. The recombinant phage vector comprises the DNA molecule comprising (a) a eukaryotic viral vector genome comprising a coding sequence, (b) a phage packaging site that is not contained within the eukaryotic viral vector genome, and (c) a promoter that is operably linked to the coding sequence. Alternatively, the DNA molecule is not present within the recombinant phage vector. The eukaryotic cell is contacted with the first DNA molecule and a recombinant phage vector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification and use of ribonucleoside analogs to induce the mutation of an RNA virus, including BVDV, HIV and HCV, or a virus which otherwise replicates through an RNA intermediate. The increase in the mutation rate of the virus results in reduced viability of progeny generations of the virus, thereby inhibiting viral replication. In addition to these methods and related compositions, the invention provides methods and combinatorial chemistry libraries for screening ribonucleoside analogs for mutagenic potential.

Abstract: The present invention describes the production of a nodavirus-based DNA vector that drives abundant expression of foreign genes in a wide variety of cell types. The DNA plasmid is initially transcribed by a host-cell RNA polymerase to produce primary transcripts from which a nodaviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNA replicase) is translated. These primary transcripts are then amplified by the RNA replicase in an autonomous, cytoplasmic RNA replication. Such a vector is a useful addition to the current arsenal of expression vectors, and well suited to laboratory-scale and larger-scale expression of transcripts and/or proteins in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered attenuated viruses and methods for their production. In particular, the present invention relates to engineering live attenuated viruses which contain a modified NS gene segment. Recombinant DNA techniques can be utilized to engineer site specific mutations into one or more noncoding regions of the viral genome which result in the down-regulation of one or more viral genes. Alternatively, recombinant DNA techniques can be used to engineer a mutation, including but not limited to an insertion, deletion, or substitution of an amino acid residue(s) or an epitope(s) into a coding region of the viral genome so that altered or chimeric viral proteins are expressed by the engineered virus.

Abstract: By isolating a so far unknown novel hepatitis virus and determining the gene sequence thereof, genes, polynucleotides, polypeptides, methods for isolating virus particles, virus particles, and antiviral antibodies, which can be used for diagnosis and treatment, as well as methods for detecting viruses are provided. Disclosed is a non-B, non-C, non-G hepatitis virus gene having a nucleotide sequence from which a sequence having a length of from about 3500 nucleotides to about 4000 nucleotides can be amplified by PCR utilizing an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 57 and an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 60 as primers, or PCR utilizing an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 57 and an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 61 as primers. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the gene, polypeptides etc. are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting the presence of an enterovirus in a clinical sample. The invention additionally discloses a method for typing an enterovirus in a clinical sample. Both methods employ a set of primer oligonucleotides for reverse transcription and amplification that hybridize to conserved regions of the enterovirus genome, and that provide amplicons that include significant portions of the VP1 region that are characteristic of the various serotypes. In the typing method, the invention further provides a database consisting of nucleotide sequences from prototypical enteroviral serotypes, which is used to type the clinical sample by comparing the sequence of its amplicon with each prototypical sequence in the database. The invention additionally provides mixtures of primer oligonucleotides, and a kit for use in conducting the typing method that includes a mixture of the primer oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A retroviral delivery system capable of transducing a target site is described. The retroviral delivery system comprises a first nucleotide sequence coding for at least a part of an envelope protein; and one or more other nucleotide sequences derivable from a retrovirus that ensure transduction of the target site by the retroviral delivery system; wherein the first nucleotide sequence is heterologous with respect to at least one of the other nucleotide sequences; and wherein the first nucleotide sequence codes for at least a part of a rabies G protein or a mutant, variant, derivative or fragment thereof that is capable or recognising the target site.

Abstract: Double stranded DNAs, expression vectors and methods for their use are provided in which the intracellular expression of the double stranded DNAs is used to alter the phenotype of a target cell so that the function of a target nucleic acid that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a motif of interest can be determined using a combinatorial ribozyme library. The members of the library are catalytic RNAs that disrupt the expression of the transcription product of the target nucleic acid. Disruption of transcription product expression results in an altered cell phenotype which is used to determine the function of the target nucleic acid. The specific phenotype or response may be associated with normal cellular processes, or it may contribute to the generation of pathogenesis involved in disease development. The compositions find use in high-throughput screens to assign gene functions.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulating the activity of autoinducer synthase catalysts. A method for identifing modulators of the autoinducer synthesis reaction is also provided. Such modulators are useful for controlling bacterial growth and can be used for therapeutic treatment of bacterial infections particularly in immunocompromised subjects. They are also useful in treating disease states associated with autoinducer synthesis and biofilm development.

Abstract: A unique HCV RNA molecule is provided having an enhanced efficiency of establishing cell culture replication. Novel adaptive mutations have been identified within the HCV non-structural region that improves the efficiency of establishing persistently replicating HCV RNA in cell culture. This self-replicating polynucleotide molecule contains, contrary to all previous reports, a 5′-NTR that can be either an A as an alternative to the G already disclosed and therefore provides an alternative to existing systems comprising a self-replicating HCV RNA molecule. The G→A mutation gives rise to HCV RNA molecules that, in conjunction with mutations in the HCV non-structural region, such as the G(2042)C/R mutations, possess greater efficiency of transduction and/or replication. These RNA molecules when transfected in a cell line are useful for evaluating potential inhibitors of HCV replication.

Abstract: The subject of the invention are formulations not containing chaotropic components for isolating nucleic acids with binding to a solid phase, in particular of DNA, from optional complex starting materials and quantities containing a lysis/binding buffer system which comprises at least one antichaotropic salt component, a solid phase and wash and elution buffers known as such. The lysis/binding buffer system may be an aqueous solution or a solid formulation in reaction vessels ready for use. All carriers used for isolation by means of chaotropic reagents, preferably glass fiber mats, glass membranes, silica carriers, ceramics, zeolites or materials showing negatively functionalised surfaces or chemically modified surfaces which may be converted to a negative charge potential may serve as a solid phase.

Abstract: An agent for combating an intracellular microbial infection comprises a phage component and, associated therewith, a targeting moiety which directs the agent to a target cell and initiates delivery of the phage into the target cell. Once inside the target cell, the phage causes lysis of a microorganism residing within the target cell. A mycobacteriophage is combined with a targeting moiety of transferrin. Compositions comprising the agent, methods of preparing said agent, and use of said agent for combating intracellular infections are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences, oligonucleotides and a method for detection of SRSV, in particular, a virus which belongs to Genotype II (GII), in clinical examinations, public health examinations, food evaluations and food poisoning examinations are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of an HIV-1 sample to zidovudine and to diagnostic assays for use in such assessment.