Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating target cells from non-target cells using immunorosettes and magnetic particles. The method involves contacting a sample containing target cells and secondary targets such as erythrocytes with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the target cells and the secondary targets to form. The sample is subsequently contacted with a second antibody composition which allows the binding of magnetic particles to the formed immunorosettes and free secondary targets. The immunorosettes and secondary targets labeled with magnetic particles are separated from non-target cells using a magnetic field. The antibody composition optionally contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: The proteins in a biological sample that is sought to be analyzed for its protein composition by an electrophoretic or chromatographic procedure are coupled to a dye in an unusually efficient manner by combining the sample with a solid dry composition containing the dye, a buffering agent, and in preferred embodiments, a denaturing agent as well. The solid and dry form of the composition prevents the dye from deteriorating or decomposing, and the combination of components in the composition allows the dye to couple to the proteins in a relatively uniform manner with no overstaining of the protein when the composition and the sample are heated together and held at an elevated temperature for a short period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are human interleukin-1 ? converting enzyme like apoptosis proteases-3 and 4 and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using the polypeptides, for example, as an antitumor agent, and antiviral agent, and antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides for example, for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and head injury. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods for the identification of agents useful in the treatment or prevention of cataracts. Also described are methods for the identification of agents that may inadvertently promote or accelerate the formation of cataracts, and methods of treating or preventing injuries to or diseases of the ocular lens, retina and/or macula. More specifically, the invention describes methods for the identification of pharmacological agents useful in treating cataracts by inhibiting the cross-linking of eye lens proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods of detecting a molecule, interleukin 18, in a sample, and using the detection of IL-18 to predict a condition. In a particular embodiment, the present invention concerns methods of detecting interleukin 18, in a sample, preferably prior to the increase in serum creatinine in a subject predisposed to a condition. In certain embodiments, the methods may comprise obtaining a sample from a subject such as a urine or blood sample and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of IL-18 to predict a condition for example acute renal failure or organ transplant failure. In another embodiment, the methods may comprise analyzing a sample from a subject for the presence of IL-18 and applying information obtained from analyzing the presence of IL-18 to determine a treatment for a medical condition of the subject.