Abstract: A method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian skin, as well as protecting mammalian skin against ultraviolet damage, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian cells, as well as a method of enhancing melanin production in mammalian melanocytes. A preparation useful in the present methods is additionally disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the epidermis or to the cells DNA fragments, either single- or double-stranded, or a mixture of both, or deoxynucleotides, in a liposomal preparation or other appropriate vehicle. The preparation includes DNA fragments or deoxynucleotides and an appropriate delivery vehicle, such as liposomes.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the fertilization potential of oocytes comprising culturing oocytes in vitro with an effective amount of inhibin, activin, or a combination of inhibin and activin. Preferably the oocytes being cultured are immature. After the culturing step, the oocytes can be fertilized. The oocytes are suitably cryopreserved and thawed before the culturing step.

Abstract: Cosmetic preparations are provided containing a DNA-sodium salt and which are useful, for example, for the treatment of aging skin and skin problems.

Abstract: A method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian skin, as well as protecting mammalian skin against ultraviolet damage, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian cells, as well as a method of enhancing melanin production in mammalian melanocytes. A preparation useful in the present methods is additionally disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the epidermis or to the cells DNA fragments, either single- or double-stranded, or a mixture of both, or deoxynucleotides, in a liposomal preparation or other appropriate vehicle. The preparation includes DNA fragments or deoxynucleotides and an appropriate delivery vehicle, such as liposomes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the mechanical sorting of mammalian spermatozoa by sex-type, into a fraction enriched in X-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa, and a fraction enriched in Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. Because of their different DNA content, Y-chromosome spermatozoa are slightly smaller than X-chromosome spermatozoa. A column is packed with two sizes of beads. The size of the smaller beads is chosen such that, on average, Y-chromosome spermatozoa will readily fit into the interstices between the smaller beads, while X-chromosome spermatozoa, on average, will not readily fit into those interstices. The size of the larger beads is chosen such that the smaller beads will not readily fit into the interstices between the larger beads. A liquid sample containing the sperm is run through a column so that the liquid first encounters the larger beads, and then encounters the smaller beads.

Abstract: A method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian skin, as well as protecting mammalian skin against ultraviolet damage, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of increasing pigmentation in mammalian cells, as well as a method of enhancing melanin production in mammalian melanocytes. A preparation useful in the present methods is additionally disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the epidermis or to the cells DNA fragments, either single- or double-stranded, or a mixture of both, or deoxynucleotides, in a liposomal preparation or other appropriate vehicle. The preparation includes DNA fragments or deoxynucleotides and an appropriate delivery vehicle, such as liposomes.

Abstract: Disclosed here are novel compositions and methods which can be used as a blood substitute to ameliorate adverse physiological effects of blood loss. The novel compositions comprise fluids containing water, electrolytes, glycerol, and additional energy sources.

Abstract: Disclosed here are novel compositions and methods which can be used to reduce or prevent adverse physiological effects of physical exercise or environmental exposure. The novel compositions comprise fluids containing water, sugar, electrolytes, and a substance which is non-toxic to man or animals, can be rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, prevents decreases in blood volume, and acts as an energy source.

Abstract: Intact X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm populations of rabbits and swine were separated according to DNA content using a flow cytometer/cell sorter. Sperm viability was maintained by special staining techniques and by sorting and collecting the sperm in nutrient media. The sorted sperm were surgically inseminated into the uteri of rabbits or swine. Of the offspring born from does inseminated with the sorted population of X-bearing sperm, 94% were females. Of offspring born from does inseminated with sorted Y-bearing sperm from the same ejaculate, 81% were males.

Abstract: A method of sorting living cells based on DNA content. Mammalian sperm subpopulations enriched in X- or Y-sperm. X- and Y-enriched sperm-plasma-membrane vesicles. Substantially pure sex-associated membrane (SAM) proteins. Antibodies binding to X- or Y-SAM proteins, essentially free of antibodies binding to Y- or X-SAM proteins respectively, or to the H-Y antigen. Semen samples enriched for X- or Y-sperm. Methods for increasing the probability that offspring will be male or female comprising the step of allowing as perm from an enriched semen sample to fertilize an ovum. Methods for increasing the probability that offspring will be male or female comprising the step of immunizing a female with X- or Y-SAM proteins. Methods of decreasing fertility comprising the step of immunizing a female with both X- and Y-sperm. Methods of increasing the probability that mammalian offspring will carry a gene for a particular sex-chromosome linked trait.

Abstract: Cell separation compositions and associated methods effective for separating cells from various biological specimens such as blood are disclosed. The biological specimens are contacted with the cell separation compositions and centrifuged. The cells are separated based upon their buoyant density in the cell separation composition. The cell separation composition contains colloidal silica particles covalently linked to an organosilane having a non-ionic, hydrophilic group.

Abstract: Cell separation compositions and associated methods effective for separating cells from various biological specimens such as blood are disclosed. The biological specimens are contacted with the cell separation compositions and centrifuged. The cells are separated based upon their buoyant density in the cell separation composition. The cell separation composition contains colloidal silica particles covalently linked to an organosilane having a non-ionic, hydrophilic group.

Abstract: Sperm are encapsulated in a nontoxic polymer which is freely flowing at body temperature and a gel or solid at temperatures of storage and transfer. On delivery to the reproductive tract, the polymer microcapsule liquifies and the sperm are released.