Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for determining the adequacy of squamous (ectocervical) cells, columnar (endocervical) cells, neutrophils, and noncellular material in a liquid based cytology specimen. The invention first analyzes a liquid based cytology specimen using light scatter to create a light scatter characteristic representing a predetermined cell. Next the invention determines the presence of squamous (ectocervical) cells versus columnar (endocervical) cells versus neutrophils versus noncellular material using the results of the light scatter. The light scatter characteristic that may be used may be forward light scatter, side light scatter, or both side and forward light scatter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for determining the adequacy of squamous (ectocervical) cells, columnar (endocervical) cells, neutrophils, and noncellular material in a liquid based cytology specimen. The invention first analyzes a liquid based cytology specimen using light scatter to create a light scatter characteristic representing a predetermined cell. Next the invention determines the presence of squamous (ectocervical) cells versus columnar (endocervical) cells versus neutrophils versus noncellular material using the results of the light scatter. The light scatter characteristic that may be used may be forward light scatter, side light scatter, or both side and forward light scatter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for determining the adequacy of squamous (ectocervical) cells, columnar (endocervical) cells, neutrophils, and noncellular material in a liquid based cytology specimen. The invention first analyzes a liquid based cytology specimen using light scatter to create a light scatter characteristic representing a predetermined cell. Next the invention determines the presence of squamous (ectocervical) cells versus columnar (endocervical) cells versus neutrophils versus noncellular material using the results of the light scatter. The light scatter characteristic that may be used may be forward light scatter, side light scatter, or both side and forward light scatter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of testing the viral susceptibility of a compound. It includes the steps of mixing subject cells infected with a virus with target cells. The target cells of the compound include a marker. Another step includes stimulating viral production. The mixture is then subjected to at least one antiviral compound. Viral production in the target cells is then detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appartus and method for use in pre-screening or determining the adequacy of target cells in specimen prior to conducting further diagnostic testing or analysis of the specimen. More specifically, the present invention concerns a device and method which uses light scatter techniques to detect the presence of a target cell in a specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for detecting the presence of a target mRNA in an intact cell. The process includes the steps of (a) fixing and permeabilizing with a non- or weakly-crosslinking reagent the cell in the presence of a plurality of oligonucleotide probes, wherein each probe (i) contains about 15 to about 30 nucleotides, (ii) is labeled with a detectable marker, (iii) has a matched Tm of greater than about 60° C., and (iv) specifically hybridizes to a different contiguous region of an open reading frame in the target mRNA with the provisos that each probe does not hybridize to itself, does not hybridize to any other probe and does not hybridize to a contiguous sequence of (A)n9 (C)n9 (G)n or (U)n in the target mRNA where n is an integer greater than 5; (b) removing unhybridized probes from the cell; and (c) measuring the detectable label in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for inhibiting HIV replication in a cell by binding Leukemia Inhibitory Factors (“LIF”) LIF to its receptor in a cell to inhibit HIV replication within the cell. In addition, the present invention concerns a method for preventing uninfected individuals from infection with HIV by administering a dosage of LIF to prevent establishment of HIV infection. The present invention also provides a method of treating HIV infected individuals by administering a dosage of LIF to prevent disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for determining the efficacy of anti-viral therapy in an HIV-infected subject receiving such therapy. The process includes the steps of a) detecting the level of transcriptionally active HIV in monocytes of the subject at a plurality of different times, b) comparing the detected HIV levels, and c) correlating changes in the detected HIV levels over time with the therapy. The process can be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment with any anti-HIV agent such as AZT, 3TC, DDC, Indivar, or Saquinavir. Decreases in HIV levels over time indicate an efficacious treatment. Increases in detected HIV levels over time indicate resistance to treatment.