Abstract: The present invention provides PCR primers with which sexing of bovine embryos can be easily attained and provides a practical, rapid and reliable method for determining the sex of bovine embryos using these primers. The methods for determining the sex of the bovine embryos are characterized by discriminating PCR products which are obtained by amplifying specific DNA sequences by PCR with pairs of male-specific and gender-neutral primers. These primers are derived from DNAs which specifically hybridize to the bovine male genome and from DNAs which gender-neutrally hybridize to both bovine male and female genomes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of a parvovirus in a sample comprising contacting the sample with a purified receptor for a parvovirus, and detecting the presence of binding of parvovirus to the receptor, the presence of binding indicating the presence of parvovirus in the sample. The present invention also provides methods of purifying and removing parvoviruses from samples. The invention further provides a composition comprising a globoside, or the parvovirus B19 binding domain of globoside, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided are methods of preventing or treating parvovirus B19 infection in a human subject by preventing the binding of parvovirus B19 to P antigen and methods of gene therapy utilizing parvovirus B19 and the parvovirus B19 cellular receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DNA molecule with the sequence coding for a mammalian luteinizing hormone wherein the codon for the amino acid located at position 8 of the LH.beta. chain is replaced by a codon for arginine or the codon for isoleucine at position 15 of the LH.beta. chain is replaced by a codon for threonine.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of fluorescent compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R contains between 4 and about 10 carbons and is optionally saturated or unsaturated, and is linear or branched or contains an alicyclic or aromatic ring; and the symbol .PSI. depicts the presence of the counterion used to neutralize the positive charge on the dye. The fluorescent dye dissolved in a biologically compatible solution stains a wide variety of living cells with a red nucleic acid stain after brief incubation in low concentrations of dye, without the requirement of permeabilizing reagents. Detection of the fluorescence can be used alone or in combination with measurement of other markers or properties of the cells to identify, discriminate or sort viable cells.

Abstract: A process is provided for performing polymerase chain reactions inside of intact cells. Measurement of genetic parameters and observation of genetic properties while maintaining the integrity of the DNA or RNA in a cell is accomplished by passing a suspension of cells through a flow cytometer wherein the properties and parameters can be measured on a cell by cell basis.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated double-stranded nucleic acid consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence defined in the Sequence Listing by SEQ ID NO:5. This is the C. albicans ITS2 sequence and includes a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence that is specific for Candida albicans. Further examples of an isolated double stranded nucleic acid of the present invention consist essentially of the nucleotide sequences defined in the Sequence Listing by SEQ ID NOs:6-9. These are the ITS2 sequences for C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. A method of diagnosing systemic candidiasis in a subject is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting blood from the subject into tubes containing detergent, polypropylene glycol, sodium polyanetholesulfonate, and sodium ethylene diamine.RTM. tetraacetic acid; (b) lysing Candida cells using ZYMOLYASE.RTM.

Abstract: Stop solutions including a compound selected from the group consisting of acetamide, propionamide, butyramide and N-methylacetamide, and methods and kits for their use, e.g., in DNA sequencing.

Abstract: Method of diagnosing arterial chlamydial granuloma by detecting in a biological sample both a first marker associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae and a second marker associated with arterial granuloma. Therapeutic composition for treating arterial chlamydial granulomatous disease, including an anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae agent and a granuloma inhibitor.

Abstract: The use of specific primers and a probe in a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction provides a method for specifically identifying bovine respiratory syncytial virus in cattle.

Abstract: A method of cleaving a target nucleic acid molecule is disclosed. A cleavage structure is formed that comprises the target nucleic acid and a pilot nucleic acid. A first region of the target nucleic acid is annealed to the pilot nucleic acid to form a duplex structure. A second region of the target nucleic acid contiguous to the duplex is not annealed to the pilot nucleic acid, thus forming a junction site between the duplex region and the non-annealed region. The cleavage structure is exposed to a cleavage agent capable of preferentially cleaving the cleavage structure at a target site in a manner independent of the sequence of the cleavage structure. The cleavage structure and the cleavage agent are incubated under conditions wherein cleavage can occur.

Abstract: Improved methods for amplifying nucleic acids can reduce non-specific amplification and minimize the effects of contamination of nucleic acid amplification reaction assays due to amplified product from previous amplifications. The methods involve the introduction of unconventional nucleotide bags into the amplification reaction products and treating the products by enzymatic (e.g., glycosylases) and/or physical-chemical means to render the product incapable of acting as a template for subsequent amplifications.

Abstract: The complete cDNA sequence encoding the amino acid sequence corresponding to mammalian Na.sup.+ /nucleoside cotransporter protein (SNST) is disclosed. Methods for obtaining the gene encoding SNST and for obtaining recombinantly produced SNST are described. Antibodies, an inhibitor of nucleoside transport by SNST, and methods for detecting other inhibitors are also described. Methods for inhibiting uptake of nucleosides by SNST using the compositions of the invention are also included.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide or analog thereof including a single cytidine residue at a selected position and having one or more cytidine residues which are 5-methyl substituted. The cytidine nucleus can be selectively transaminated to include an aminoalkyl or carboxyalkyl group as a linker for other functional groups which can be used to form DNA duplexes and triplexes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for determining the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in plasma. Native apoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) present in LDL particles is immunologically mimicked by a polypeptide of the invention. A polypeptide includes an amino acid residue sequence corresponding to a pan epitope region of the target apoprotein. A preferred polypeptide is a fusion protein that simultaneously mimics native apo B-100 and native apo A-I. Improved assay systems and methods for determining HDL and LDL levels in a body fluid sample are also described.

Abstract: Methods for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule which employs a single primer, and in which the amplification is performed under isothermal conditions. The invention also includes kits containing reagents for conducting the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a homogeneous process for amplifying a target sequence in a nucleic acid sample and detecting amplification in the absence of a separation step. The invention further provides a method for nucleic acid amplification under conditions which substantially reduce the occurrence of nonspecific amplification. Products and an apparatus related to the homogeneous process are also described.

Abstract: Antibodies which are specific to a thermostable DNA polymerase can be used to reduce or eliminate the formation of non-specific products in polymerase chain reaction methods. These antibodies and other temperature sensitive inhibitors are effective to inhibit DNA polymerase enzymatic activity at a certain temperature T.sub.1 which is generally below about 85.degree. C. The inhibitors are irreversibly inactivated at temperature T.sub.2 which is generally above about 40.degree. C. T.sub.2 is also greater than T.sub.1. Such inhibitors can be supplied individually or in admixture with the DNA polymerase in a diagnostic test kit suitable for PCR.

Abstract: A chromosomal gene of Borrelia burgdorferi which encodes a conserved antigen of approximately 79 kD has been isolated and sequenced. The chromosomal gene, the gene product, and antibodies to the gene product may be used in diagnostic methods for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. The antigen and fragments thereof are suitable for use in vaccine compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously sequencing both strands of a target DNA is provided. The method involves "shifting" one or both strands of the target DNA by addition or deletion of one or more nucleotides to one or both strands of the duplex to produce shifted DNA. Both strands of the shifted DNA duplex and the target DNA are sequenced and the sequences of the shifted and unshifted target DNA are compared. Since portions of the sequenced strands of the target and shifted DNA are identical, all or a portion of sequence of the target DNA can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for isolating nucleic acids from biological samples, most particularly blood, using selected quaternary amine surfactants. The nucleic acids are isolated quickly and in sufficient quantity and quality to permit analysis by methods including reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction.