Abstract: A cloning vector contains a DNA sequence derived from a Nocardioform microorganism, and is capable of expressing the DNA sequence in a host microorganism. Recombinant cholesterol oxidase is produced by a host microbial cell transformed with a cloning vector containing cholesterol oxidase encoding DNA derived from a Nocardioform microorganism. A method for determining cholesterol oxidase in a sample of fluid from a human includes contacting the sample with the Nocardioform microorganism derived recombinant cholesterol oxidase.

Abstract: The amount of glycated proteins in a sample can be quantified by reacting the sample with first a reagent which is a combination of a protease and a peroxidase and second with a ketoamine oxidase. A kit which contains the combined peroxidase/protease enzyme reagent and also the ketoamine oxidase is also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to claim a composition which when added to a patient sample containing a target antigen in an acidic or formalin-containing transport medium neutralizes the acid and formalin while preserving immunoreactivity of the antigen allowing its detection. The composition comprises an amino glycol buffer, an amino acid, a salt, and a non-ionic detergent. A further object of the present invention is to claim a method of processing a sample by adding a composition comprising an amino glycol buffer, an amino acid, a salt, and a non-ionic detergent.

Abstract: A direct method is disclosed for the regioselective sulfation of an organic molecule having optionally derivatized hydroxyl groups on at least two adjacent carbon atoms. The method comprises the treatment of a di-(optionally substituted alkyl and/or aryl) stannylene acetal derivative of the molecule with an electrophilic sulfating agent, preferably sulfur trioxide/trimethylamine. The disclosed method is useful for the selective sulfation of a variety of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides. Novel saccharides prepared according to this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for enhancing the immune response of an animal to an infectious disease vaccine wherein the composition comprises prolactin. Preferably, the composition is human prolactin and the animal to be vaccinated is, as well, human.The present invention further relates to a composition for enhancing the immune response of an animal to an infectious disease vaccine wherein the composition comprises prolactin cDNA. Human prolactin cDNA is preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of the procedure for amplifying a target nucleotide sequence by using an effective amount of a glycine-based osmolyte in the reaction mixture of an amplification procedure. It has been found that the use of a glycine-based osmolyte reduces the appearance of stutter bands in the amplification product allowing for easier detection of the target nucleotide sequence. For example, detection of the target trinucleotide repeat sequence, indicative of Huntington's Disease, is made clearer with the use of a glycine-based osmolyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to a serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement. The supplement comprises carbon sources, vitamins, inorganic salts, amino acids and a protein digest. The medium supplement of the present invention enables the maintenance of mammalian cell cultures at cell densities equal to or greater than that obtained with batch culture methods while increasing longevity and productivity.

Abstract: The method of the present invention relates to a rapid procedure for detecting DNA in a cell, while preserving the morphology of the nucleus for analysis. The method comprises depositing a cell onto a polymeric membrane filter wherein the DNA contained in the cell is retained on the polymeric membrane filter and is available for binding with a fluorescently labeled nucleic acid probe, incubating the polymeric membrane filter with the labeled nulceic acid probe, and detecting the labeled nulceic acid probe wherein detection of the nulceic acid probe is indicative of the presence of the DNA. There are no separate permeabilization steps needed to permit the probes to enter the cell and hybridize to the DNA. The method is simple and quick and is applicable to the sample volumes found in clinical laboratories.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous medium formulation which is capable of allowing the growth of a plasmid-producing host cell to a density greater than 30 at a reading of 600 nm and, in addition, enhancing plasmid production beyond that which would be expected at the cell densities achieved. The medium of the present invention comprises a carbon source in the concentration range of about 20 to about 40 grams per liter of the water component of the medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for separating glycosylated prolactin from non-glycosylated prolactin.