Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes derived from Mycobacteria Kansasii capable of selectively hybridizing to Mycobacteria nucleic acid are disclosed. The oligonucleotide probe is selected from the group consisting of: (a) an oligonucleotide probe consisting essentially of the DNA sequence given herein as SEQ ID NO:1 (MK14); (b) oligonucleotide probes comprising fragments of MK14 which retain the capability of MK14 of selectively hybridizing to Mycobacteria nucleic acid; (c) oligonucleotide probes which hybridize to MK14 and are capable of selectively hybridizing to Mycobacteria nucleic acid; and (d) oligonucleotide probes which are complementary to any of the foregoing and are capable of selectively hybridizing to Mycobacteria nucleic acid. The probes are useful in nucleic acid amplification and hybridization assays for genus-specific detection of the mycobacteria, specific detection of M. kansasii and specific detection of the slow-growing mycobacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the presence in mammalian serum of antibodies against specific strains of HIV through the use of SP-10 peptides. The method incorporates the use of SP-10 peptides derived from the following HIV strains: IIIB, MN, RF, SC, WMJ-1, WMJ-2, WMJ-3, ARV-2, and LAV-1.

Abstract: A sensitive, yeast-based genetic system for identifying agents causing double-strand DNA damage is described. The system comprises a yeast strain containing either chromosomes having divergent (homeologous) DNA sequences, a single nonhomologous chromosome or a single artificial chromosome with suitable genetic markers so that double-strand damage leading to the loss of such chromosome due to the inability to undergo recombinational repair with a homolog is detected.

Abstract: The use of E. suis specific primers in PCR with DNA from swine blood increases the sensitivity of current DNA hybridization protocols for determining whether swine are infected with E. suis prior to the development of any clinical symptoms. The present invention provides these E. suis primers and a method to use these primers in a PCR protocol to provide a highly sensitive diagnostic assay for early signs of an E. suis infection.

Abstract: Immunoassays for the detection of antibodies to HCV are provided which employ "C" domain antigens. Immunoassay kits comprising such antigens are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting (i) one or more microorganisms or (ii) nucleic acid sequences from a prokaryotic source or an eukaroytic source in an unpurified nucleic acid-containing test sample comprising(a) labeling the nucleic acids in the test sample,(b) contacting, under hybridization conditions, the labeled hybridizable nucleic acid and one or more immobilized hybridizable nucleic acid probes comprising (i) one or more known microorganisms or (ii) sequences from eukaroytic or prokaryotic sources, to form hybridized labeled nucleic acids, and(d) assaying for the hybridized nucleic acids by detecting the label. The method can be used to detect genetic disorders, e.g., sickle-cell anemia.

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: The invention herein is directed to a method for the visualization of the product of the reaction of a specifically binding substance and a corresponding bindable substance. The reaction product is formed during an assay procedure for the detection and/or determination of one of the components of the reaction. The assay involves the use of a component labeled by a sol of a non-metallic element, such as selenium and tellurium, and the use of a physical developer comprising a metal compound, such as silver lactate and silver nitrate, mercuric chloride and a copper sulfate, to strengthen or reinforce a specific signal, thereby improving detectability.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences, particularly DNA sequences, coding for all or part of a vav mouse proto-oncogene protein or for a modified vav mouse proto-oncogene protein, expression vectors containing the DNA sequences, host cells containing the expression vectors, and methods utilizing these materials. The invention also concerns polypeptide molecules comprising all or part of a vav mouse proto-oncogene protein or a modified vav mouse proto-oncogene protein, and methods for producing these polypeptide molecules.

Abstract: A method of screening a test substance for potential teratogenicity without employing vertebrate animals. In a representative embodiment, Drosophila primary embryonic cells, containing a hybrid game including a coding sequence for a detectable expression product under the control of a promoter sequence selected from among the 23 and 22 kDa Drosophila heat shock protein promoter sequences, are exposed to the test substance. The cells are thereafter assayed for the detectable expression product, the presence of the expression product in the cells providing an indication of the potential teratogenicity of the test substance. The primary embryonic cells containing the hybrid gene are conveniently provided by transformed flies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) detection method, the results capable of being read on specimen slides through in situ hybridization techniques. The method is based on a pair of consensus polynucleotide probes which hybridize type-specifically with clinically important HPV viral types and is capable of distinguishing between malignant and benign HPV viruses. Compositions of the polynucleotide probes in detectably labeled form are also a part of the invention. For correlation of the present method with known polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of HPV, a PCR assay is described.

Abstract: A method is described for the detection of anti-streptokinase antibodies in a sample which comprises detection of a complex between lactate dehydrogenase, streptokinase, and antistreptokinase antibodies. The method is useful for the detection of antistreptokinase antibodies in the serum of patients prior to clinical streptokinase administration.

Abstract: A method for quantifying glucose concentration in blood, body fluids, and other samples within, below and above the normal physiological range, which relies on non-radiative fluorescence resonance energy transfer, as well as devices useful in quantifying blood glucose concentration using the present method.

Abstract: Restriction maps of DNA derived from Human Papillomavirus Types 49, 50, 54, and 55 are disclosed as well as methods for providing recombinant forms of same.

Abstract: An improved method for performing a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a targeted piece of DNA, wherein by controlling the annealing times and concentration of both the outer and the inner set of primers according to the method disclosed, highly specific and efficient amplification of a targeted piece of DNA can be achieved within one reaction vessel without depletion or removal of the outer primers from the reaction mixture vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of characterizing viruses and the use thereof for classification. According to the invention, a cDNA copy of a first virus is made and the cDNA is amplified and cleaved using at least one restriction endonuclease. The location of restriction fragments is mapped and compared to that of other viruses. Primers useful for amplifying the cDNA may be derived from sequences found in the 5' non-coding regions of picornavirus including human rhinovirus.

Abstract: Amino acid and cDNA sequences of a plurality of human bone matrix proteins and their uses have been 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 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 3) encoding a protein, nestin, whose expression distinguishes neural multipotential stem cells and brain tumor cells from the more differentiated neural cell types (e.g., neuronal, glial and muscle cells).

Abstract: A target polynucleic acid strand may be detected within a sample. A sensing strand of complementary polynucleic acid is labelled, at at least two internucleotide phosphate groups, with labels which vary their electronically interaction with each other, and thus their emission or absorption spectra, depending upon whether the sensing strand is bound to target polynucleic acid in the sample.