Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting the presence of antibodies to folic acid in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the fungal species, and specifically identifying the fungal species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices that comprise a protein, such as an antibody, placed into electronic communication with a semiconductor material, such as a carbon nanotube. The devices are useful in assessing the presence or concentration of analytes contacted to the devices, including the presence of markers for prostate cancer and Lyme disease.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents which have efficacy for the treatment of disorders related to aberrant cilial structure and function, including polycystic kidney disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, assays, and kits for predicting or stratifying the risk of celiac disease (CD) based upon HLA-DQ genotype and/or anti-flagellin antibody levels. Such risk prediction or stratification can provide benefits to family members of CD patients, to a subset of patients who are being evaluated clinically for CD, and to researchers, who can utilize this strategy to establish inclusion criteria for participation in research studies investigating potential preventive interventions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms and, more particularly, to methods for detecting microorganisms in a sample by incubating the sample at two temperatures to facilitate increased detection of the organism.

Abstract: Disclosed are fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies, fragments thereof, and nucleic acid sequences encoding for the same. Further disclosed are methods of making and using the antibodies.

Abstract: A novel hemopoietin receptor gene (NR12) was successfully isolated by extracting motifs conserved among the amino acid sequences of known hemopoietin receptors and by using the predicted sequence. The NR12 gene encodes two forms of proteins, a transmembrane type and a soluble type. The expression of the NR12 gene was detected in tissues containing hematopoietic cells. NR12 is a novel hemopoietin receptor molecule involved in the regulation of immune system and hematopoiesis in vivo. Thus, NR12 is useful in the search for novel hematopoietic factors that functionally bind to the NR12 receptor, and in the development of therapeutic drugs for diseases associated with immunity or hematopoiesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to an isolated peptide consisting of the sequence MKKDDQIAAAIALRGMA (SEQ ID NO:1) or an active variant thereof, wherein the peptide or active variant can bind specifically to an antibody induced by a causative agent of Lyme disease (a pathogenic Borrelia), e.g. in a sample from a subject having Lyme disease. Also disclosed are linear multimeric peptides that contain the peptide represented by SEQ ID NO:1 as well as one or more additional peptide epitopes from other Borrelia proteins that can also bind specifically to an antibody as above. Compositions and diagnostic kits comprising a peptide of the invention are described, as are diagnostic assays using the peptide(s).

Abstract: A method to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Group A antigen in a sample, comprising the following steps: extracting the antigen from the sample in an assay chamber with two or less extraction reagents, wherein the two reagents may be added to the assay chamber in no particular sequence; introducing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device into the extraction reagents containing the extracted antigen without further addition of reagents or manipulation of the sample; forming an antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex; and determining the presence or absence of the antigen in the sample by the presence or absence of a signal formed by the binding of the antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex to an indicator capture reagent specific for said antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody to a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA. (SEQ ID NO:1) The monoclonal antibody of the invention binds exclusively to the sequence SAVALTYS (SEQ ID NO:2) and has use as a diagnostic and for prophylaxis against illness arising from E. coli which produce the CS4-CFA/I family of proteins and for treatment of disease arising therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to various intraflagellar transport (IFT) polypeptides and the nucleic acids that encode them. The new IFT particle polypeptides and nucleic acids can be used in a variety of diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: LAT1 is consistently expressed at high levels in brain microvessel endothelial cells. Disclosed herein are assays for determining whether a test material/molecule is a substrate for, and/or is actively transported by, the LAT1 transporter, and therefore a candidate substrate for crossing the blood brain barrier. The assays are useful in screening for therapeutic, cytotoxic or imaging compounds used in the treatment or diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Abstract: MCT1 is consistently expressed at high levels in brain microvessel endothelial cells. Disclosed herein are assays for determining whether a test material/molecule is a substrate for, and/or is actively transported by, the MCT1 transporter, and therefore a candidate substrate for crossing the blood brain barrier. The assays are useful in screening for therapeutic, cytotoxic or imaging compounds used in the treatment or diagnosis of neurological diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the finding that the protein p300 has acetylation activity which is directed to the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein pRb by the presence in the cell of the adenovirus E1A protein. This represents a target for modulators of the cell cycle, to which end the invention provides an assay for a modulator of acetylation of pRb by p300, which comprises: a) bringing into contact a p300 protein a pRb protein and a putative modulator compound under conditions where the p300 protein, in the absence of said modulator is capable of acetylating the pRb protein; b) providing conditions for acetylation of said pRb protein; and c) measuring the degree of inhibition of acetylation caused by said modulator compound.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a receptive material layer of radiation-absorbing member (RAM)-tagged biomolecules disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and deactivated areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein areas are exposed through a mask with a light source to induce deactivation.

Abstract: Described are methods of detecting G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activity in vivo and in vitro; methods of assaying GPCR activity; and methods of screening for GPCR ligands, G Protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) activity, and compounds that interact with components of the GPCR regulatory process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring, analyzing, and/or discriminating molecular species, preferably a biomolecule, within a medium using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Biological compounds such as nucleotides and polynucleotides can be detected and analyzed. A reaction process such as an accumulation cycle of nucleic acids can be monitored, analyzed, and controlled using a multisensor array (MSA) and multivariate processing. Monitoring a biomolecule includes interrogating the medium, and preferably its gas phase, by coupling a sensor responsive to any changes of the medium and or biomolecule and its secondary products when, for example, an amplification reaction is proceeded. It is also a scope of the present invention to use direct detection and monitoring of biomolecular reactions in real-time without radioactive or fluorescent labeling. A preferred application is real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection.

Abstract: Lethal Toxin Neutralizing Factor has been isolated in purity from opossum serum by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation. The amino acid sequence from the N-terminal for the first fifteen amino acids of LTNF-n is: Leu Lys Ala Met Asp Pro Thr Pro Pro Leu Trp Ile Lys Thr Glu. Antibodies to LTNF-n and synthetic peptides consisting of fifteen, ten and five amino acids from the N-terminal of the above sequence, designated as LTNF-15, LTNF-10 and LTNF-5 were produced by immunizing Balb/C mice to produce Anti-LTNF-n, Anti-LTNF-15, Anti-LTNF-10 and Anti-LTNF-5. The anti LTNF-n, anti-LTNF-15, anti-LTNF-10 and anti-LTNF-5 react immunologically with all types of toxins derived from animal, plant and bacteria and can be assayed by immunological in vitro test such as ELISA tests. Anti-LTNFs react roughly proportional to lethal dose of biological toxins under in vitro immunological ELISA test similar to the mouse bioassay test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for stabilizing clinical specimens (i.e., cells in biological samples) for transport and subsequent testing for diagnosis. The composition is specifically capable of maintaining nucleic acid in the cells intact for hybridization with oligonucleotide capture and detector probes.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises M3 protein as encoded by virus MHV 68, or a homologue of said M3 protein, for use in binding to a chemokine or a chemokine analogue in vivo, or to block binding of chemokines to corresponding cell surface receptors in vivo, to produce an immunomodulatory effect, or to bind to a chemokine analogue present in a virus or parasite to block its entry into cells.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods, reagents, and kits that are useful for detecting B. anthracis. The methods are based on the discovery of binding agents, including recombinant polyclonal antibodies, which bind to the surface array protein of B. anthracis.

Abstract: A multi-component vaccine composition is described comprising acellular pertussis vaccine components, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid and inactivated poliovirus. The composition also may contain a conjugate of a capsular polysaccharide on Haemophilus influenzae type b and tetanus toxoid or diphtheria toxoid, which may be reconstituted from a lyophilized state by the other component. The administration of the multiple component vaccine resulted in no diminution of the immunogenicity of any component as a result of interference by other components of the vaccine.

Abstract: A method for detecting Escherichia coli in a sample by providing a sample suspected of containing Escherichia coli; contacting the sample with beads coated with a mixture of antibodies or anti-serum specific to one or more surface antigens of Escherichia coli, each of the one or more surface antigens having a molecular weight of 21±2 KDa, 26±2 KDa, 31±2 KDa, 36±2 KDa, 38±2 KDa, 67±2 KDa, or 77.8±2 KDa; and observing agglutination of the beads, where the presence of the agglutination indicates the presence of Escherichia coli in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to detect IgE using a human Fc epsilon receptor (Fc&egr;R) to detect IgE antibodies in a biological sample from a cat, a dog, or a horse. The present invention also relates to kits to perform such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting exposure to a fungus or mycotoxin in a patient is disclosed. The method determines the levels of antibodies against a fungal antigen, a metabolite thereof, or a corresponding recombinant antigen or synthetic peptide. It then compares the results to normal levels to determine the exposure to these agents in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method capable of simultaneous processing of plural test samples for the receptor binding property of a chemical substance, which does not require immobilization of the receptor or a special device, and a reagent to be used for this method. That is a method for assaying the receptor binding property of an assay target substance is provided, the method comprising the steps of (a) competitively reacting a known concentration of a ligand and the assay target substance with a known concentration of the receptor in a solution, (b) measuring, without physically removing the ligand bound with the receptor prior to the assay, the amount of a free ligand in the solution using one or more antibodies against the ligand, and (c) determining the receptor binding property of the assay target substance using the amount of the free ligand as an index.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of identifying modulators of biological interactions and agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method of detecting inhibitors of biological interactions involving proteinaceous and/or nucleic acid molecules and more particularly a method of identifying peptide inhibitors of biological interactions having adverse effects on living cells, tissue or organisms. The present invention provides the means by which a wide range of peptide-based therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic reagents may be developed.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a vaccine comprised of fimbrin, a filamentous protein derived from the bacterial surface appendages of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae is useful in studying, preventing or reducing the severity of, otitis media. The gene sequence of the DNA coding for fimbrin and the amino acid sequence of fimbrin have also been determined. Vectors containing DNA coding for fimbrin have also been developed, and transformants have been prepared which contain such vectors and which express such DNA and provide a source of pure fimbrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel protein-protein interactions that are involved in mammalian physiological pathways, including physiological disorders or diseases. Examples of physiological disorders and diseases include non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and the like. Thus, the present invention is directed to complexes of these proteins and/or their fragments, antibodies to the complexes, diagnosis of physiological generative disorders (including diagnosis of a predisposition to and diagnosis of the existence of the disorder), drug screening for agents which modulate the interaction of proteins described herein, and identification of additional proteins in the pathway common to the proteins described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated Kinase and Phosphatase nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinase and protein phosphatase polypeptides. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing Kinase and Phosphatase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a Kinase and Phosphatase gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated Kinase and Phosphatase proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-Kinase and Phosphatase antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring variant of a C-terminal fragment of a Plasmodium merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) wherein said variant has (i) a reduced affinity, compared with a naturally occurring Plasmodium MSP-119, for at least one first antibody capable of blocking the binding of a second antibody, which second antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage of Plasmodium MSP-142 and (ii) substantially the same affinity for at least one third antibody compared with said naturally occurring Plasmodium MSP-119. which third antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage of Plasmodium MSP-142 is provided for use in an anti-malarial vaccine.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between two tester proteins. In a cell incapable of activating a Ras protein, two nucleic acid sequences are expressed. One sequence encodes for a fusion protein comprising a mutant Ras protein incapable of localizing at the cell membrane and not requiring an exchange factor fused to one of the tester proteins The other sequence encodes for the other tester protein fused to a plasma membrane localization domain.

Abstract: The invention concerns a home kit and a method for detection of the presence of a fecal parasite in a stool.

Abstract: A method for detecting protein-protein interactions is provided, in which two fusion proteins are prepared and allowed to interact with each other. The interaction between the two fusion proteins leads to protein trans-splicing, generating an active and detectable reporter.

Abstract: A method for detecting protein-protein interactions is provided, in which two fusion proteins are prepared and allowed to interact with each other in yeast cells. The interaction between the two fusion proteins leads to protein trans-splicing, generating an active and detectable reporter.

Abstract: A recombinant protein for the diagnosis and immunization of humans and animals against gastrointestinal disorders of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infection contains the essential features of the native antigen and may be used in place of the native antigen. A recombinant protein can be quickly and inexpensively reproduced. A DNA sequence encoding a 17-kDa protein for a surface antigen of C. parvum is also disclosed. The DNA sequence may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the protein. Test kits for detecting contamination of food or water are also provided. Also disclosed are a detergent extraction method for partial purification of the 17-kDa and 27-kDa surface antigens and ELISA assays employing these proteins for detecting C. parvum antibodies in biological samples.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of testing water for microbe contamination. The methods of the invention comprise supplementing existing methods with assays using specific reagents such as monoclonal antibodies. The invention also concerns a device for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that are inhibitors of fatty acid, ergosterol, sphingolipid, or phospholipid synthesis are disclosed. Such compounds can be derivatized to produce antifungal agents, which can be used in methods of treating fungal infections (e.g., in humans, animals, and plants). The disclosed methods allow for high throughput screening of libraries of test compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for stabilizing clinical specimens (i.e., cells in biological samples) for transport and subsequent testing for diagnosis. The composition is specifically capable of maintaining nucleic acid in the cells intact for hybridization with oligonucleotide capture and detector probes.

Abstract: There can be provided a fungal antigen which is an insoluble fraction obtainable from fungal cells of which cell wall has been substantially removed or at least partially removed; a process for producing the same; a nucleic acid encoding the fungal antigen; a biologic product containing the fungal antigen; a method of stimulating immunological responses by using the biologic product; a method of suppressing allergic reaction to fungi in a vertebrate; and a method for diagnosing a disease caused by fungi in a vertebrate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to detect IgE using a human Fc epsilon receptor (Fc&egr;R) to detect IgE antibodies in a biological sample from a cat, a dog, or a horse. The present invention also relates to kits to perform such methods.

Abstract: Uroplakins Ia and Ib are the major urothelial receptors of type 1 fimbriated microorganisms. These uroplakins are used to screen compounds for treating urinary tract infections by testing if the compounds inhibit bacterial adhesion to the uroplakins. Additionally, compounds which inhibit adhesion of microorganisms expressing type 1 fimbriae, such as Tamm-Horsfall protein, are used to treat or inhibit infection by these microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing the presence or absence of cancer in a human patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises the steps of examining patient tissue for the CRD-BP expression levels and comparing that expression level with control levels. The present invention is also a method of inhibiting cancer cell growth comprising the step of eliminating or lowering the level of functional CRD-BP in the cancerous tissues.