Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of 1,4-dihydrodioxin masked quinone compounds which are useful as DNA or RNA cleaving reagents. These compounds may additionally include moieties which target the compounds to specific base sequences on the DNA or RNA molecule to permit site-specific cleavage. The process for using these compounds in a UV or short wavelength visible light-activated reaction for cleaving DNA, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medicinal composition comprising an Epidermal Growth Factor-like protein derived from yeast, and a carrier which is pharmaceutically acceptable and suitable for the type of administration and treatment for which the composition is to be used. The yeast-derived protein Has a molecular weight of about 4770 daltons and a murine Epidermal Growth Factor (mEGF) activity equivalent to at least 100 nanograms of mEGF by Elisa Assay Titration. The medicinal composition may be applied topically for purposes such as the treatment of external body wounds, or in ophthalmic surgery such as in cataract or corneal surgery, by incorporating a carrier therein which is pharmaceutically acceptable for the particular topical use. The composition may be administered orally for treatment of such ailments as peptic ulcers by incorporating therein a carrier which is pharmaceutically acceptable for oral administration in oral dosage form.

Abstract: A water-soluble yeast protein of about molecular weight 4770 daltons is isolated having murine Epidermal Growth Factor (mEFG) activity per milligram at least equivalent to 1000 nanograms of mEGF by Elisa Assay Titration. The protein is naturally present in yeast and is free of water-insoluble yeast components. The proten is insoluble in trichloroacetic acid, chloroform, absolute methanol, 95% ethanol, acetone, hexanes, petroleum ether, and 50% methanol--25% ether. The protein is soluble in acidic solutions containing 50% methanol, ethanol or acetone. The protein stimulates the growth and respiration of A431 cells in a culture without serum supplements.

Abstract: A cytofluorograph is used to quantify poxvirus concentration. Virions producing a known cell bound antigen are added to a cell culture. The antigen is fluorescently labeled and the infected cells are counted cytofluorographically. Certain mutated virions do not produce the labeled antigen and are not counted. Alternately, the virion infected cell culture is stained with a phenanthridium dye. Only infected cells absorb the dye. Dead cells are counted with a cytofluorograph indicating virion concentration. The two tests combined discriminate between teratogens and carcinogens. Toxins which are teratogens reduce the number of infective virus, whereas carcinogens not only reduce the virus number, but increase the number of mutants.