Abstract: This invention relates to methods, articles and compositions useful in detecting target substances in an alcoholic preservative solution, and for identifying sensors useful for binding to such targets. The methods allow for the simultaneous performance of sufficient fixation of a sample and binding of a detectable sensor to a target of interest in the sample. In one aspect, a method is provided that comprises contacting a sample suspected of containing a target with a detectable sensor molecule known to bind to such target in an alcoholic preservative solution. The method maybe performed in multiplex form to permit simultaneous analysis of a plurality of targets. Methods for identifying a sensor capable of binding to a desired target in an alcoholic preservative solution are also provided. An alcoholic preservative solution comprising one or more such detectable sensors is also provided. Also provided is a sample comprising a bound sensor provided by such a process.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, articles and compositions useful in detecting target substances in an alcoholic preservative solution, and for identifying sensors useful for binding to such targets. The methods allow for the simultaneous performance of sufficient fixation of a sample and binding of a detectable sensor to a target of interest in the sample. In one aspect, a method is provided that comprises contacting a sample suspected of containing a target with a detectable sensor molecule known to bind to such target in an alcoholic preservative solution. The method maybe performed in multiplex form to permit simultaneous analysis of a plurality of targets. Methods for identifying a sensor capable of binding to a desired target in an alcoholic preservative solution are also provided. An alcoholic preservative solution comprising one or more such detectable sensors is also provided. Also provided is a sample comprising a bound sensor provided by such a process.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for extracting nucleic acids from a biological sample. In particular, disclosed is a nucleic acid extraction solution together with methods using such a solution for extracting nucleic acid sequences from biological samples containing cells, cellular debris or both. The nucleic acid extraction solution contains a molecule having the formula R1O—CH2—CH2—OR2, wherein R1 and R2 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the amplification of a DNA template by subjecting a sample of biological material containing a target nucleotide sequence to amplification using a non-extendable oligonucleotide blocker. The method comprises using oligonucleotide primers and blockers to create primer extension products that are susceptible to cleavage by double-strand-specific ribonucleases. The continuous production and cycling of ribonuclease cleaved products allows for amplification of a target sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes.

Abstract: A system and method for treating hypertension and other medical disorders is provided. The system utilizes data collection devices for monitoring medical parameters of a plurality of patients and collecting data related to the medical parameters, and a centralized database for storing the collected data for each of the plurality of patients. Input devices are also used for transferring patient information such as name, family history, medications, weight, age, etc. to the database. The database correlates the collected data to the patient information for purposes of treatment and later retrieval by users to carry out research and other activities in which the collected data and patient information is useful. The system and method is particularly adapted for diagnosing and treating maternal hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia and carrying out research related to understanding preeclampsia.

Abstract: The potential of a stem cell to differentiate into specialized cell types for restoring normal tissue/organ function has stimulated interest in stem cell research. The methods used to coax stem cells differentiate into specialized cells still remain in their infancy stages. The disclosed invention is the generation of mammalian or avian cell hybrids formed from fusing lineage committed somatic cells with nucleated stem cells or nucleated transit amplifying cells. The fusion of lineage committed somatic cells with nucleated stem cells, or nucleated transit amplifying cells as described herein facilitates stem cell differentiation and lineage commitment of hybrid cells and can be aided by inclusion of an encapsulation step. By the fusion of cells in this invention, this invention also provides for methods to restore damaged tissue or the expression of defective, dysfunctional, decreased, lost or not previously expressed bio-pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for extracting nucleic acids from a biological sample. In particular, disclosed is a nucleic acid extraction solution together with methods using such a solution for extracting nucleic acid sequences from biological samples containing cells, cellular debris or both. The nucleic acid extraction solution contains a molecule having the formula R1O—CH2—CH2—OR2, wherein R1 and R2 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV. Novel primer sequences are also provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the amplification of a DNA template by subjecting a sample of biological material containing a target nucleotide sequence to amplification using a non-extendable oligonucleotide blocker. The method comprises using oligonucleotide primers and blockers to create primer extension products that are susceptible to cleavage by double-strand-specific ribonucleases. The continuous production and cycling of ribonuclease cleaved products allows for amplification of a target sequence.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of cell samples which are dried on an infrared-transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm−1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a reference using a representative set of spectra of normal and/or diseased specimens. During the reference assembly process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV. Novel primer sequences are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for extracting nucleic acids from a biological sample. In particular, disclosed is a nucleic acid extraction solution together with methods using such a solution for extracting nucleic acid sequences from biological samples containing cells, cellular debris or both. The nucleic acid extraction solution contains a molecule having the formula R1O—CH2—CH2—OR2, wherein R1 and R2 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of cell samples which are dried on an infrared-transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm.sup.-1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a reference using a representative set of spectra of normal and/or diseased specimens. During the reference assembly process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method to identify premalignant and malignant stages of cervical cancer from an infrared (IR) spectrum of exfoliated cervical cells which are dried on an infrared transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm.sup.-1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a calibration using a representative set of spectra of normal, dysplastic and malignant specimens. During the calibration process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. In one aspect, the invention is a method to distinguish premalignant and malignant stages of cervical cancer from normal cervical cells. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of exfoliated cervical cells which are dried on an infrared transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm.sup.-1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a calibration using a representative set of spectra of normal, dysplastic and malignant specimens. During the calibration process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rapid enzymatic method using chromogenic substrates for the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica. The assay correlated 100% in its identification of pathogenic Neisseria with modified NYC fermentation medium. The assay is more sensitive in its direction of prolylaminopeptidase activity in Neisseria meningitidis than any of the commercially available systems.The test method of the present invention is performed by first applying a small amount of buffer, then applying colonial growth, to each of three test areas (PAP, GAP, and BDG) on filter paper test strips. The strips are then incubated at from about 35.degree.-37.degree. for 10 minutes or at room temperature for 20 minutes. If the BDG area is positive (blue-green color) the isolate is identified as Neisseria lactamica. If the BDG area is negative, a chromogenic reagent, such as dimethylaminocinnaminaldehyde, is added to the PAP and GAP test areas.