Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant nucleic acids encoding lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, having modified iron-binding capacity, and to vectors comprising same recombinant nucleic acids. The present invention is further directed to methods of producing such vectors, and to transfected cells harboring the same. Methods for the production of lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, in various eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells are also provided. Finally, the invention is directed to lactoferrin variants and portions thereof encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention and produced by the processes of the invention. Thus, the invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin variants and portions thereof.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers or nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.

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: 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: 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.