Abstract: The present invention provides an early, biochemical indication of increased risk of impending preterm delivery. The method comprises obtaining a cervicovaginal secretion sample from a pregnant patient after week 12 of gestation and determining the level of a local inflammatory product protein in the sample. The presence of an elevated level of the selected protein in the sample indicates an increased risk of delivery. The test is a screening assay that can detect women at risk of imminent delivery, as early as two to three weeks prior to delivery.

Abstract: A gene encoding activator protein (srmR) for increasing transcriptional efficiency of macrolide biosynthetic genes is disclosed and claimed. Methods for using srmR to increase macrolide biosynthetic gene transcription and identifying further macrolide biosynthetic pathways are disclosed. Recombinant DNA vectors comprising the srmR gene are disclosed.

Abstract: A protein containing at least one pendant sulfhydryl group is directly radiolabeled with a radiometal which binds tightly to sulfhydryl groups, using one or more pendant sulfhydryl groups on the protein as endogenous ligands and optionally using an exogenous ligand which binds tightly to the radiometal ion to further stabilize the chelate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of producing an immortalized hybrid neuronal cell comprising the steps of transducing a primary embryonic brain cell from a specific brain region with a temperature-sensitive oncogene to produce a transductant cell, and fusing the transductant cell with a mature primary neuron from the same brain region to produce the hybrid cell. Hybrid cells produced by such a process are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are high titer, monospecific, polyclonal antibodies to Shiga-like toxins. Also disclosed are methods for producing such antibodies, compositions containing them, and methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by Shiga-like toxins. These include hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans, edema disease in swine, and calf diarrhea in cattle.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a library of bio-oligomers of defined size and known composition, in which the library contains all of the possible sequences of the bio-oligomers, and a method of synthesis thereof. The bio-oligomers of the library may be peptides, nucleic acids, or a combination of the foregoing. The instant invention also provides methods to identify bio-oligomers from a library that demonstrate desired characteristics such as binding, bioactivity and catalytic activity. Thus the instant invention provides a unique and powerful method to identify a useful bio-oligomer sequences from a library more quickly than current state-of-the-art technology allows. Effector molecules for use in treatment or diagnosis of disease are also provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to a Meningitis Related Homologous Antigenic Sequence (MRHAS) are provided. The MRHAS is found in meningitis-causing organisms and chemokines involved in cell chemotaxis. The monoclonal antibodies are useful for detection and diagnosis of meningitis.

Abstract: A cloned cDNA encoding debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase gene and a probe for identifying humans having a genetic defect in the metabolism of a certain class of drugs of which debrisoquine is a model, have been prepared. Testing of new drugs and of humans by a simple assay has also been described.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which binds preferentially to unglycosylated DF3 antigen, compared to mature DF3 antigen, and which is specific for an epitope within the following amino acid sequence: T.sub.7 R.sub.8 P.sub.9 A.sub.10 P.sub.11 G.sub.12 S.sub.13, which epitope includes a proline at position 11.

Abstract: Coagulation protein antagonists are disclosed, which include monoclonal-type antibodies and related cell lines disclosed for the production of specific, neutralizing antibodies against factors VII and VIIa and the tissue factor/factor VIIa bimolecular complex, which antibodies are useful for the prevention or treatment of thrombotic and related diseases, for immunoaffinity isolation and purification of factors VII and VIIa and the tissue factor/factor VIIa complex, and for determination of factors VII or VIIa and the tissue factor/factors VII or VIIa complex in a biological sample.

Abstract: A method of identifying the presence of a known target sequence in double-stranded DNA contained in a fixed cellular or subcellular biological structure. By adding a stable, reporter-labeled RecA/single-stranded probe complex to the structure, the target sequence can be effectively labeled by in situ hybridization, allowing the target sequence to be visualized histologically and microscopically or detected by in situ cytometry or cell sorting flow techniques.

Abstract: Compositions containing a high concentration of the full repertoire of immunoglobulins, including IgA, IgM and IgG, are used to combat infections from microorganisms and viruses at a wound, surgical, or burn site, or normal tissue times of risk of infection. The compositions can contain elevated antibody titers for several specific pathogens including S. aureus, Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Enterococci, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and Enterobacter spp., etc. The compositions are applied directly to a wound or burn site as an ointment, creme, fluid, spray, or the like, prior to viral or bacterial attachment or biofilm formation such that adhesion of the pathogens is inhibited and the pathogens closest to the wound or burn site will be pre-opsonized for phagocytic killing prior to toxin release.

Abstract: In an in situ hybridization assay, cells are fixed under conditions which preserve essential morphology, followed by transcription-based nucleic acid amplification of intracellular mRNA targets. The amplified targets are visualized by hybridizing labelled probes to the target sequences. The assay thereby provides a convenient method for detecting specific gene expression associated with morphologic characteristics of diagnostic significance.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which binds to Factor .beta.XII and which shows substantially no binding to Factor XII. This antibody may be used in immunoassays to measure Factor .beta.XIIa levels in blood, for example for studies of blood coagulation systems and of thrombotic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing a blood unit for viral contamination without rendering the blood unit unusable for therapeutic applications. The method comprises the steps of: removing and collecting from a blood unit a majority of the leukocytes present therein with a leukocyte filter; and using the leukocytes collected in and on the filter to test the blood unit for viral contamination. The present invention also provides a method for validating viral inactivation processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bispecific hybrid MoAb having specificity for both an activated platelet and a substance having thrombolytic activity, and a thrombolytic agent comprising the above bispecific MoAb and a substance having thrombolytic activity immunologically bound thereto, whereby efficient, rapid thrombolysis is possible.

Abstract: A modified protease is disclosed, which is a mutant of the thermostable neutral protease wherein at least one amino acid residue of SEQ ID NO: 1 selected from the group consisting of the 144th leucine residue, the th aspartic acid residue, the 187th glutamic acid residue and the 227th asparagine residues is replaced with an amino acid residue other than said amino acid.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of Alzheimer's disease and/or Parkinson's Disease. The method comprises detecting in a sample from a subject the presence of a mutation, for example, in nucleotide position 4,336, 3,397, 3,196 or an insertion between positions 956 and 965, of mitochondrial DNA. The presence of the mutation indicates the presence of or a predisposition to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Since each mutation increases the likelihood of developing or having Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, the detection of more than one of the mutations in an individual can increase the probability of having or developing the disease. The invention also provides a method of determining mutations associated with the presence of or predisposition to Alzheimer's and/or Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: In a method of treating ketosis in an animal during pregnancy or lactation, such as toxaemia of pregnancy or fat cow syndrome, the amount or activity of somatotropin in the blood is increased while administering glucose or a glucose precursor to the affected animal.

Abstract: A method for visualizing nucleic acids in a polyacrylamide gel. The method comprises fixing the nucleic acids with 10% acetic acid for about 20 minutes, washing the gel multiple times with water for about 2 minutes, impregnating the gel with silver nitrate at a concentration of about 1.0 g/l and about 1.5 ml/l of 37% formaldehyde for about 30 minutes, developing the gel with sodium carbonate at a concentration of about 30 g/l, 1.5 ml/l of 37% formaldehyde and sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate at a concentration of about 2.0 mg/l for between about 2 minutes and about 5 minutes, and then stopping the development of the gel by treatment with 10% acetic acid for about 5 minutes.