Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compositions for isolating and/or stabilizing nucleic acids in or from microorganisms—such as prokaryotes, fungi, protozoa or algae. The composition contains, as an essential ingredient, a cationic compound of general formula Y+R1R2R3R4X? wherein Y may denote nitrogen or phosphorus, R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of one another may denote an unbranched or branched C1-C20-alkyl and/or a C6-C20-aryl group as well as a C6-C26-aralkyl group, and X? may denote an anion of an inorganic or organic, mono- or polybasic acid.

Abstract: A plasmid-based vaccine is provided herein based on the combination of DNA segments coding for one or more B cell epitopes of 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: The present invention is directed to a cell line capable of supporting replication of a growth-defective Herpes Simplex Virus strain; specifically a replication-defective HSV-2 double mutant. Particularly disclosed is a cell line that expresses the ICP8 protein and the UL5 protein of Herpes Simplex Virus. This cell line is useful to propagate a replication-defective HSV-2 vaccine strain that contains mutations and/or deletions in the ICP8 and UL5 genes.

Abstract: We describe a regulated antigen delivery system (RADS) that has (a) a vector that includes (1) a gene encoding a desired gene product operably linked to a control sequence, (2) an origin of replication conferring vector replication using DNA polymerase III, and (3) an origin of replication conferring vector replication using DNA polymerase I, where the second origin of replication is operably linked to a control sequence that is repressible by a repressor. The RADS microorganism also has a gene encoding a repressor, operably linked to an activatible control sequence. The RADS described provide high levels of the desired gene product after repression of the high copy number origin of replication is lifted. The RADS are particularly useful as live bacterial vaccines. Also described is a delayed RADS system, in which there is a delay before the high copy number origin is expressed after the repression is lifted. The delayed RADS is also particularly useful for live bacterial vaccines.

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: A method of vaccinating poultry by spraying the poultry with an effective amount of a live avirulent derivative of an enteropathogenic enterobacteria is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of biomass for the isolation of ccc plasmid DNA comprising culturing a bacterial transformant in a bioreactor containing an antibiotic-free batch medium under batch-conditions and, at the end of the batch phase, feeding under feed-back conditions the portion of a feed-back medium after the rise of the concentration of dissolved oxigen above a threshold-set point. Said feed-back medium comprises besides a carbon source a magnesium salt, preferably in concentrations above 20 mM. Preferably, the bacterial transformant is harvested after the end of the culture and frozen or freeze-dried. Also preferred is that ccc plasmid DNA is, optionally directly, isolated after harvesting the bacteria.