Abstract: Medical dressings including stiffening systems fixedly attached to backing layers are described herein along with methods of using the medical dressings. The stiffening system is fixedly secured to the backing to limit flexing and stretching of the backing layer. Typically, the medical dressing and stiffening system is applied over a medical device that is secured to skin. The stiffening system covers some of the medical device and also extends beyond the medical device. The stiffening system stabilizes the medical device over the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides screening assays for identifying an inhibitor of a pathogenic helicase activity, e.g. a helicase derived from a pathogenic infectious organism such as a bacterium, protozoan or fungus. Helicase activity is detected by the solid-phase, preferential capture of retained (non-liberated) single-stranded nucleic acid comprising a detectable label.

Abstract: Pharmacological agents useful in the diagnosis or treatment of disease associated with the expression of a gene are identified in high throughput drug screening assays. The methods involve combining a labeled transcription factor, a nucleic acid coupled to a ligand, a candidate pharmacological agent and a receptor immobilized on a solid substrate, such as a microtiter plate, filter, or bead. The nucleic acid has at least that portion of a nucleotide sequence naturally involved in the regulation of the transcription of the gene which is necessary for sequence-specific interaction with the transcription factor. The resultant combination is incubated under conditions whereby the receptor is bound to the ligand and, but for the presence of said candidate pharmacological agent, the transcription factor is sequence-specifically bound to the nucleic acid. Unbound transcription factor is then removed or washed from the solid substrate and labelled, sequence-specifically bound transcription factor is detected.

Abstract: A method for capturing amplified target DNA on a solid substrate comprising incorporating a ligand into said DNA by a polymerase chain reaction using a set of primers wherein one of the primers bears the ligand, and contacting the so treated DNA with a solid substrate having a binding reagent for said ligand immobilized thereon.