Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for separating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention comprises an optional lysis step for lysing non-microorganism cells that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent separation step. The method may be useful for the separation, characterization and/or identification of microorganisms from complex samples such as blood-containing culture media. The invention further provides for the use of one or more identifier agents and interrogating the microorganism sample and/or said one or more identifier agents to produce measurements which characterizing and/or identifying the microorganism based on the produced measurements and/or the presence or absence of the identifier agent or a metabolized form of the identifier agent in the microorganism sample.

Abstract: A test reagent includes a reactant and a sheet-shaped member. The reactant is in a dry state and specifically reacts with a test substance. The sheet-shaped member holds the reactant and disperses in a solvent solution in which the reactant dissolves.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting bacteria in a sample can include an optically transparent substrate and a phage that is known to react with the bacteria being detected. The phage can be tagged with a fluorescent tag such as DAPI or SBYR® Gold cyanine dye. Once fluorescently tagged, the phage-substrate combination can be illuminated with a light source, at a wavelength that corresponds to an excitation wavelength for the fluorescent tag to establish a baseline intensity for the device. The device can then be exposed to the sample and illuminated to establish a test intensity. The bacteria to be detected can be deemed as being present if the test intensity is less than the baseline intensity.

Abstract: A method of quantifying non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) in a biological fluid is provided, the method comprising: (a) contacting a sample of the biological fluid with a reducing agent to obtain redox-active iron; (b) contacting the sample of the biological fluid with a nitrilotriacetate (NTA) at a concentration of 0.4-2 mM to mobilize non-transferrin bound iron including redox inactive and the redox active iron in the sample; (c) contacting the sample of the biological fluid of step (b) with an indicator including an iron binding moiety and fluorophore; and (d) detecting and quantifying a fluorescent signal of the fluorophore thereby quantifying the NTBI in the biological sample.

Abstract: A multi-layered device for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte within a test sample is described. The device includes a sensing layer and a control layer. The sensing layer is configured to support a reaction so as to exhibit a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte in the test sample. The control layer is in fluid communication with and vertically adjacent to the sensing layer and includes a reagent capable of inhibiting the reaction and/or other unwanted side reactions at the sensing layer after a certain period of time by diffusive movement of the reagent from the control layer to the sensing layer.

Abstract: A multi-layered device for detecting the presence or absence of an analyte within a test sample is described. The device includes a sensing layer and a control layer. The sensing layer is configured to support a reaction so as to exhibit a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte in the test sample. The control layer is in fluid communication with and vertically adjacent to the sensing layer and includes a reagent capable of inhibiting the reaction and/or other unwanted side reactions at the sensing layer after a certain period of time by diffusive movement of the reagent from the control layer to the sensing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The biosensor device can comprise at least a reaction chamber and a detection chamber. The device can comprise a amplifying mechanism such that one target analyte molecule present in the fluid sample can lead to generation/activation of multiple detection agent molecules, and therefore, an amplified signal. Also disclosed are the methods of manufacturing and using such a biosensor device.

Abstract: The present invention provides the TWEAK receptor and methods for identifying and using agonists and antagonists of the TWEAK receptor. In particular, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists and for treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and vascular deficiencies of cardiac or peripheral tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a therapeutic method exclusively targeting an amyloid ? protein (A?) having a specific turn structure of A?. Specifically provided is an antibody which specifically recognizes an amyloid ? having a turn structure at amino acids positions 22 and 23. Also provided are a medicinal composition comprising, as the active ingredient, an antibody specifically recognizing a toxic conformer of amyloid ?, an assay kit for a toxic conformer of amyloid ?, a diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for in situ detection of one or more target nucleic acids based on a combination of an in situ hybridization (ISH) assay method and a general ISH signal amplification method. This new method produces high signal intensity and while keeps low background noise of signal amplification. The result can be consistently reproduced and the method can be easily adopted for routine clinic diagnostic use. Further, the invention relates to a kit, comprising the components of the ISH assay and a general ISH signal amplification assay, for sensitive detection of one or more target nucleic acids.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for identifying and typing toxicity of chemical compositions, as well as for screening new compositions for toxicity. The invention involves detecting alterations in gene or protein expression and hence establishing molecular profiles in isolated mammalian LSCs contacted with various chemical compositions of known and unknown toxicities, and correlating the molecular profiles with toxicities of the chemical compositions.

Abstract: Provided is an age-related apolipoprotein B oxidase (apoBNOX) found tightly associated with the low-density lipoprotein particles and believed to be responsible for oxidizing lipoprotein particles and initiating atherogenesis. It causes damage by directly oxidizing the apolipoprotein B protein and indirectly oxidizing the lipids in the particles due to superoxide formation by the apoBNOX and its conversion into hydrogen peroxide. apoBNOX activity is inhibited by tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol and components of white wine, important components of French and Mediterranean diets, which seem to be a very good source of inhibitors of the apolipoprotein B oxidase. Agents comprising at least one naturally-occurring apoBNOX inhibitor and compositions lessen, ameliorate or treat disorders and complications resulting from cell damage caused by oxidation of apolipoprotein B.

Abstract: Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor ? (hTNF?) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNF? (e.g., Kd=10?8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNF? dissociation (e.g., Koff=10?3 sec?1 or less) and neutralize hTNF? activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNF? and for inhibiting hTNF? activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNF? activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for screening for a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for an inflammatory disease. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for screening for a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for an inflammatory disease by selecting a substance having an inhibitory activity specific to PIKfyve by using the presence or absence of the inhibitory activity as an indicator.

Abstract: This invention provides: novel protein homologous of a Kunitz domain, which are capable of binding kallikrein; polynucleotides that encode such novel proteins; and vectors and transformed host cells containing these polynucleotides.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting, diagnosing or monitoring acute cardiac disorders, cardiac transplant rejection, or distinguishing acute cardiac disorders from pulmonary disorders, by measuring BNP signal peptide levels in a sample taken from a subject shortly after onset of, or presentation with the disorder or transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ubiquitination and/or degradation-related activity of a SIVA polypeptide and to agents capable of modulating said activity.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. A secondary reagent, such as a metal or magnetic particle, is added to the beadset to assist in the analysis. Detection techniques, such as such as light scatter, Rayleigh scatter, Raman scatter, surface plasmon resonance, magnetic induction, or magnetoresistance are used to detect the particle labels.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for identifying and typing toxicity of chemical compositions, as well as for screening new compositions for toxicity. The invention involves detecting alterations in gene or protein expression and hence establishing molecular profiles in isolated mammalian LSCs contacted with various chemical compositions of known and unknown toxicities, and correlating the molecular profiles with toxicities of the chemical compositions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating mixtures of product molecules from an initial chemical array are provided. In the subject methods, a chemical array of surface immobilized first moieties is subjected to cleavage conditions such that a composition of solution phase first moieties is produced. The resultant composition of solution phase first moieties is then contacted with one or more reactants to produce a mixture of product molecules that are different from the first moieties. Also provided are the arrays employed in the subject methods and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention identifies autoantibodies to folate receptors. Methods to identify these autoantibodies to the human folate receptors are also provided. The present invention also contemplates diagnostic methods and test kits to be used in a clinical setting for identifying a subject at risk of folate-sensitive abnormalities or disorders as observed in neural tube defect complicated pregnancies. In addition, infertility, spontaneous abortion, male sterility, unsuccessful in vitro fertilization, neurologic disorders and impaired folate absorption may also be associated with these autoantibodies to folate receptors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic agent for eating disorders comprising as an active ingredient an antibody against brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and a method for detecting eating disorders comprising measuring of the concentration of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor in blood. Particularly, the eating disorders can easily be diagnosed by measuring the concentration of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor in blood of the patients with an antibody against brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a labeled antibody against brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Reelin as a marker for diagnosing psychiatric conditions. The disclosed tools and techniques can facilitate the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Reelin as a marker for diagnosing psychiatric conditions. The disclosed tools and techniques can facilitate the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.

Abstract: A method and composition for detecting and measuring analytes, such as antibodies, which are capable of binding with certain binding partners such as antigens. A homogenous assay is performed in the presence of free unbound antibodies. Such a homogeneous assay testing for specific antibodies is herein possible by defining of test subsets of microparticles having specific antigens thereon which are capable of binding with specific target antibodies. The microparticle suspension also includes at least two calibration subsets of microparticles having a binding partner thereon with at least two known levels of concentration which is capable of binding with human antibodies for the purpose of assay calibration. A verification subset of microparticles is included with another binding partner thereon at a known concentration, capable of binding with anti-human antibodies. This suspension is incubated with a human sample and then is incubated with a tagging component.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and quantifying phosphoinositide lipids in a sample are provided, together with novel SidC- and SdcA-derived polypeptide fragments, or fusion proteins comprising such fragments that may be effectively employed as PI(4)P probes in biochemical and cell biological assays. Applications of the disclosed probes include: (i) detection and quantification of PI(4)P in vitro; and (ii) staining of intracellular compartments in live or fixed eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting biomarkers in rare circulating cells by forming an enriched population of cells immunomagnetically followed by biomarker detection using binding compounds having releasable molecular tags. Preferably, biomarkers comprising one or more protein-protein complexes are detected in circulating cancer cells metastasized from a solid tumor. In the presence of biomarkers, the molecular tags of the binding compounds are released and separated from the assay mixture for detection and/or quantification.

Abstract: Assay systems and methods are provided for detecting a target antigen in a physiological fluid (e.g., blood, serum, or urine). The method includes linking via a first antibody a magnetic microparticle to the target antigen in the physiological fluid; linking via a second antibody a glucose molecule to the target antigen; utilizing a magnetic field to separate the magnetic microparticle-linked antigen from the physiological fluid to form a test sample; and detecting the glucose in the test sample to determine the concentration of target antigen in the physiological fluid. The target antigen can be a protein or marker resulting from cardiac tissue injury, which can be used to assess acute myocardial infarction. An exemplary target antigen is myoglobin. The glucose detection preferably is one that can be done rapidly, e.g., with a conventional glucometer, and may include measuring the electrical resistance, color, or pH of the test sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of determining the presence of catalytic anti-Factor VIII allo-antibodies capable of degrading Factor VIII in a mammal, and of characterising the cleavage sites in said Factor VIII molecule by said catalytic anti-Factor VIII allo-antibodies. It also relates to an anti-Factor VIII allo-antibody-catalysed Factor VIII degradation inhibitor; and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said catalytic anti-Factor VIII allo-antibodies which are capable of degrading Factor VIII and which originate from said method of determination; and further to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said anti-Factor VIII allo-antibody-catalysed Factor VIII degradation inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods for therapy of cystic fibrosis and other conditions are provided. The methods comprise one or more agents capable of increasing thiol-containing compound transport via a transporter system (i.e. ABC transporters such as MDR-1 or MRP-2) in cells. Other embodiments include the use of agents to modulate transport of thiol-containing compounds within the cell. Therapeutic methods involve the administration of such agents to a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis and/or another condition responsive to stimulation of thiol-containing compound transport.

Abstract: Invention relates to antibodies with a specificity to an abnormally truncated form of tau protein which is conformationally different from normal tau and does not bind to normal tau protein, conformationally different tau proteins (“tauons”) and diagnostic and therapeutical aspects in relation to Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.

Abstract: As a versatile method of detecting and assaying intracellular protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation that enables nondestructive monitoring as well as spatial and temporal analysis for living cells, animal bodies, plant bodies and the like, a probe for imaging protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which comprises a tandem fusion unit composed of a substrate domain that contains a phosphorylation and dephosphorylation site, a linker sequence and a phosphorylation recognition domain, interposed between a donor chromophore and an acceptor chromophore that cause fluorescence resonance energy transfer, is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Reelin as a marker for diagnosing psychiatric conditions. The disclosed tools and techniques can facilitate the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.

Abstract: A method for purifying cancer-specific Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (csPCNA) is described, as well as an immunoassay based thereon.

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: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: The invention provides multifunctional fusion constructs which are rapidly incorporated into a macromolecular structure such as a phycobilisome such that the fusion proteins are separated from one another and unable to self-associate. The invention provides methods and compositions for displaying a functional polypeptide domain on an oligomeric phycobiliprotein. including fusion proteins comprising a functional displayed domain and a functional phycobiliprotein domain incorporated in a functional oligomeric phycobiliprotein. The fusion proteins provide novel specific labeling reagents.

Abstract: The invention provides multifunctional fusion constructs which are rapidly incorporated into a macromolecular structure such as a phycobilisome such that the fusion proteins are separated from one another and unable to self-associate. The invention provides methods and compositions for displaying a functional polypeptide domain on an oligomeric phycobiliprotein, including fusion proteins comprising a functional displayed domain and a functional phycobiliprotein domain incorporated in a functional oligomeric phycobiliprotein. The fusion proteins provide novel specific labeling reagents.

Abstract: A biosensor method and apparatus for detecting and measuring nitrate. The biosensor is based on the fluorescence properties of a receptor molecule fragment. The biosensor apparatus contains the active-site fragment of the receptor molecule for detecting nitrate. Both the biosensor method and apparatus provide reversible and sensitive detection of nitrate in the form of a versatile method and device.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and characterizing target biomolecules using sensitizer-linked substrate molecules are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing an agent for its potential to inhibit heparanase catalytic activity, comprising the steps of: interacting immobilized heparanase substrate binding protein on a solid support with labeled heparanase substrate to provide immobilized labeled heparanase substrate, interacting a heparanase enzyme solution with the immobilized labeled heparanase substrate in the presence of the agent, and detecting the presence or absence of label in the solution remote from the solid support. The labeled heparanase substrate may be bound to an immobilization bridge which binds to immobilized molecules on a solid support, to provide bridge-immobilized labeled heparanase substrate.

Abstract: Carriers hold remote-acting bodies which can be manipulated by a remote force, and also hold a micro-substance which is a target substance of an assay. The remote-acting bodies are manipulated in order to control the positions of the micro-substances, so as to execute assays for various target substances efficiently, at low cost, easily, and reliably. Various aspects of interest include the carriers which hold the micro-substances, a system suspending the carriers, an apparatus for manipulating the carriers, and a method of controlling the position of the carriers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: When insoluble magnetic carrier particles are used in immunoassay, a method is provided which is suitable for saving labor and for treating a large number of samples within a short time while avoiding problems including difficulties in the stability of sensitized insoluble magnetic particles and in their preparation. In assaying an antigenic substance in test samples, no use is made of insoluble magnetic particles carrying an antibody specific to the said antigenic substance but insoluble magnetic carrier particles are provided in a state free from adsorbing said antibody, etc. Then the antigenic substance per se to be assayed is adsorbed on the insoluble magnetic carrier particles followed by reaction with a labeled antibody specific to the said adsorbed antigenic substance. Thus, the antigenic substance in the test sample can be efficiently assayed in a mode suitable for automation.

Abstract: Articles comprising substantially uniform porous coatings, which may be photopatterned, are provided. The use of such porous coatings increases the surface density of attached compounds within, for example, ligand arrays prepared by methods such as regionally selective solid-phase chemical synthesis. Arrays prepared using the porous coatings may be used within a variety of diagnostic and drug discovery assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the improved detection of ecstasy-class compounds in biological samples. New ecstasy-class analogs are provided for detection of such ecstasy-class drugs. These analogs are compounds, or salts thereof, of a 2-amino-methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) derivative attached to Z, where Z is a moiety capable of bonding, either directly or indirectly, with an immunogenic carrier, a detectable label, or a solid capture vehicle. Such analogs may be used to construct immunogens, enzyme or enzyme-donor conjugates, and other conjugates. The immunogens reproducibly generate antibodies with an exquisite ability to distinguish various ecstasy-class drugs in biological samples from potentially interfering substances. The specific antibodies and the conjugates may be used to distinguish and measure various ecstasy-class compounds in biological samples, such as those obtained from an individual suspected of substance abuse.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equine Fc epsilon receptor alpha chain nucleic acid molecules, proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, antibodies raised against such proteins, and inhibitors of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to detect IgE using such proteins and antibodies. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to mediate Fc epsilon receptor-mediated biological responses.

Abstract: Image acquisition apparatus is used to obtain images of contents of containers for use in, for example, antibiotic susceptibility testing. The apparatus has image capture means, such as a scanner (6) for obtaining images of the contents of the containers which are supported on receiving means (1) for receiving the containers and positioning them within the field of view of the scanner (6). In addition, light deflecting means, such as reflectors, are provided for defecting light from identification markings on the sides of the containers into the scanner (6) to enable the latter also to obtain an image of said markings, and thus to enable the apparatus to identify each container.