Abstract: The invention provides heterocyclic organic compounds that inhibit bacterial DNA polymerase IIIC and type II bacterial topoisomerase. The invention further provides compounds that are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of such heterocyclic organic compounds. Syntheses and uses of such heterocyclic organic molecules are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separation of a particulate matrix from a solution while reducing loss of particles during separation steps. Methods are also disclosed for isolation of molecules of interest using affinity particles or beads, wherein at least one step of the isolation is conducted in the presence of a detergent. The presence of detergent reduces the loss of matrix particles and enhances reproducibility and yield of the molecule of interest. The invention makes possible the manual and automated processing of affinity beads, especially magnetic beads, in multi-well as well as single-well vessels with significantly reduced bead loss, as compared with similar processes conducted in the absence of detergent.

Abstract: Conjugates are disclosed comprising a broad range helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion from a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which conjugates are capable of eliciting an immune response in an individual against the individual's endogenous CETP activity. The conjugates are useful in methods to inhibit CETP activity, to raise serum levels of high density lipoproteins, and to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A plasmid-based vaccine is provided herein based on the combination of DNA segments coding for one or more B cell epitopes of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and one or more broad range helper T cell epitopes. Administration of the plasmids as a vaccine to a vertebrate subject provides an immune response to the subject's endogenous CETP and modulation of CETP activity, leading to prevention or reversal of various manifestations of heart disease. The vaccines provide an advantageous strategy for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the rapid diagnosis of disorders characterized by an ischemic event, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, head trauma, myocardial infarction or other insults resulting in interrupted cranial blood flow. The method involves detection of the presence of the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCg) in peripheral blood, which signals damage to central nervous system tissue and at least transient breakdown of the blood brain barrier. The assay may be performed, e.g., by emergency medical personnel, in a time frame that allows treatment of the patient before permanent damage to the central nervous system occurs.

Abstract: The use of multi-well blocks with more than 10 wells is suggested for breaking down biological samples in a ball mill, wherein the process which is to be carried out provides that the biological sample, disposed in a multi-well block with more than 10 wells, is broken down in a ball mill and that following this, proteins and/or nucleic acids are isolated. With the ball mill necessary for this task, with milling containers fixed thereto in a holder (10), the milling containers are designed as uniform well blocks (16) and can be fixed in a form-locking manner into the adapted, twist-preventing holder (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA from a cultured cell or unicellular organism, preferably a bacterium, essentially free of genomic DNA. The method of the invention comprises the steps of precipitating a cleared lysate with an alcohol, washing and resuspension of the precipitate, digestion of the genomic DNA with a nuclease that cleaves linear DNA or circular DNA that includes a nick or a free 3′ or 5′ end but not ccc DNA, and finally, separation of the purified ccc DNA from the remainder of the product of the digestion step by contacting the product with an ion exchange material. ccc DNA obtained by the method, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the ccc DNA, and a kit for carrying out the method of the invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a member of the V.beta.3 family variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. More particularly, the invention provides for detection of the V.beta.3.1 subfamily. In a specific embodiment the invention provides for detection of V.beta.3.1, without cross-reacting with other V.beta.3 family variable regions. In a specific embodiment, the monoclonal antibodies of the invention do not react with V.beta.3.2. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies, termed 5E4 and 8F10, which react with the variable region of a member of the V.beta.3 family. In various embodiments of the invention, these antibodies, or fragments or derivatives thereof, can be used to bind with a member of the V.beta.3 family TCR variable region amino acid sequences, either as part of an intact TCR or peptide, or T cell-surface molecule, or a fragment thereof.