Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for enhancing the immunohistochemical staining of tissue samples. Compositions include a single solution, which includes at least one surfactant, adapted to remove an embedding medium of a tissue sample, rehydrate the tissue sample, and enhance the immunohistochemical staining of the tissue in relation to immunohistochemical staining of unreacted tissue. Methods include heating the tissue sample with the composition to enhance the immunohistochemical staining of the tissue.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody binding selectively to neurosin obtained from hybridomas, in particular, strain 2B2-6 and strain S2E5 showing stable proliferation ability. These hydridomas are obtained by fusing mouse spleen cells having a high antibody titer against neurosin with mouse-derived myeloma cells, screening fused cells being highly reactive with neurosin, and thus producing an antibody binding specifically to neurosin. By using this antibody, various diseases in which neurosin participates can be diagnosed.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for monitoring urine for type II collagen fragment using a combination of a capture antibody and a detection antibody, such that type II collagen is distinguished from other collagen fragments.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an autoimmune disease is disclosed which involves determining whether autoantibodies from a body fluid react with a microtubule organizing center (MTOC). This diagnostic procedure provides a simple, highly specific, and highly reliable diagnosis of autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies to rapamycin and to 40-O-alkylated derivatives of rapamycin are provided, together with novel haptens, immunogenic conjugates, and processes for making them and assay kits for using them.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind to ectodermally- and endodermally-derived stem cells and methods for the diagnosis of a neoplasm in a subject by contacting a tissue sample from the subject with the antibodies. Also disclosed are methods for isolating such stem cells from a heterogeneous cell population by contacting the population with antibodies which selectively bind to stem cells.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an immunoassay, and a kit for said assay, in which at least one monoclonal antibody or polyclonal antibody specifically binds to an epitope corresponding to amino acids 145 to 234 of human chromogranin A.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for isolating a target biological material contained in a sample, which consists in providing a capture phase comprising an organic molecule having at least a reactive function and at least a protein material capable of recognizing or binding, specifically and directly or indirectly, with the target biological material, said protein material having a specific covalent binding site with the organic molecule reactive function, consisting of at least a tag comprising at least six contiguous lysine, or lysine derivative residues, the method consists in contacting said target biological material with at least the capture phase; and detecting the target biological material fixed on the capture phase: The invention also concerns the capture and detection phases, and a reagent containing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescence-based assays for protein kinases and phosphatases which can be used in high throughput screening. The methods of the invention utilize a competitive immunoassay to determine the amount of substrate that is phosphorylated or dephosphorylated during the course of a kinase or phosphatase reaction to yield a product, as well as the phosphorylating or dephosphorylating activity of a kinase or phosphatase.

Abstract: Families of compositions are provided as labels, referred to as eTag reporters for attaching to polymeric compounds and assaying based on release of the eTag reporters from the polymeric compound and separation and detection. For oligonucleotides, the eTag reporters are synthesized at the end of the oligonucleotide by using phosphite or phosphate chemistry, whereby mass-modifying regions, charge-modifying regions and detectable regions are added sequentially to produce the eTag labeled reporters. By using small building blocks and varying their combination large numbers of different eTag reporters can be readily produced attached to a binding compound specific for the target compound of interest for identification. Protocols are used that release the eTag reporter when the target compound is present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the individualization of therapy on the basis of a phenotypic profile of an individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of metabolic phenotyping for the individualization of treatment with antihistamines.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed which enhance the microscopic observation and analysis of biological entities such as cells, bacteria and viruses by eliminating interfering magnetic clusters created by naturally occurring aggregators of colloidal magnetic particles. Additionally means for significantly enhancing the magnetic isolation of low antigen density target cells from biological samples are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of patients at risk for developing integrin antagonist/agonist mediated disease states. This invention relates to assays useful for the detection in a patient bodily fluid sample of drug-dependent antibodies which bind to integrins, or intergrin-associated proteins or complexes thereof in the presence of an integrin antagonist/agonist. This invention also relates to assays useful for the detection in a patient bodily fluid sample of drug-dependent antibodies (DDABS) that bind to integrins, including the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa), in the presence of a integrin agonist and/or antagonist. This invention also relates to procedures for identifying integrin antagonists/agonists that are less prone to elicit integrin antagonist/agonist mediated disease states. This invention also relates to procedures which increase the recovery of integrin-directed antibodies in body fluids, resulting in an increased sensitivity and specificity of DDAB detection assays.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing clinically distinct embryonal and alveolar subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma, including contacting a reagent including an antibody that specifically binds myogenin with a sample that includes at least one rhabdomyosarcoma cell or at least one extract of at least one rhabdomyosarcoma cell, detecting the binding of the antibody to the sample to determine the presence, absence, or amount of myogenin in the sample, and diagnosing clinically distinct embryonal and alveolar subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma having an increased amount of binding as compared to embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed which enhance the microscopic observation and analysis of biological entities such as cells, bacteria and viruses by eliminating interfering magnetic clusters created by naturally occurring aggregators of colloidal magnetic particles. Additionally means for significantly enhancing the magnetic isolation of low antigen density target cells from biological samples are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel endogenous compound 2-amino-3-[2-(&agr;-mannopyranosyl)indole-3-yl]propionic acid; to a method for testing a biological function by quantitating 2-amino-3-[2-(&agr;-mannopyranosyl)indole-3-yl]propionic acid in a collected biological sample and determining the biological function based on the quantitated values; to an antibody specifically reactive with 2-amino-3-[2-(&agr;-mannopyranosyl)indole-3-yl]propionic acid; to a hybridoma that produces the antibody; to a method for immunologically quantitating 2-amino-3-[2-(&agr;-mannopyranosyl)indole-3-yl]propionic acid in a sample by using the antibody; and to a process for producing a 2-amino-3-[2-(&agr;-mannopyranosyl)indole-3-yl]propionic acid derivative.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for assaying a substance which comprises mixing a biological specimen with at least one pretreating agent selected from among surfactants and alkali agents, thus releasing binding proteins in the biological specimen from the substance to be assayed and, at the same time, inactivating the proteins by irreversible denaturation to thereby eliminate the effects of the binding proteins coexisting in the biological specimen.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining and/or immunologically detecting an analyte contained in a gas phase by immunologically binding the analyte to a binding partner thereof contained in a gas- and liquid-permeable first carrier matrix. Said method is characterized in that a) the analyte-containing gas phase is brought into contact with the first carrier matrix (immune adsorber), b) the analyte is bound to the first binding partner which is contained in the first matrix and not bound to the matrix, and c) the complex of analyte and first binding partner and the free first binding partner are eluted from the first matrix, d) the eluted complex or the free first binding partner is determined as a measure for the amount of analyte present.

Abstract: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a class of fatal, neurodegenerative diseases found in many mammalian species. Human TSEs include kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and fatal familial insomnia. Non-human TSEs include sheep scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), feline spongiform encephalopathy, and chronic wasting diseases in elk and mule deer. These neurodegenerative diseases are caused by prions and display characteristic amyloid plaque deposition. The only known component of the infectious prion is an abnormal, disease-causing isoform of the prion protein (PrP), called PrP scrapie (PrPSc). During a post-translational process, PrPSc is formed from the normal, cellular PrP isoform (PrPC). The scrapie isoform is less soluble, more proteinase-resistant, and more susceptible to aggregation than the wildtype protein.

Abstract: A compound of the formula I: wherein R is H or —N═N-2-carboxyphenyl; A is (CH2)n or —CH═CH—, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 10, or A may also be —CH(COOH)— when R is —N═N-2-carboxyphenyl; and X is a radical selected from the group consisting of: (i) Cl; (ii) COOR1, wherein R1 is p-nitrophenyl or N-succinimidyl; (iii) CONH—NHR2, wherein R2 is H, COO(t-butyl) or COObenzyl; (iv) CONH—[B]—NHR3, wherein R3 is H, COOR1, or CO—[B′]—maleimido, wherein R1 is t-butyl, p-nitrophenyl or N-succinimidyl, and B and B′, the same or different, are (CH2)n wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10; (v) CONH—[B]—COOR4, wherein R4 is H, C1-C8 alkyl, N-succinimidyl; (vi) CONH—[B]—OH; (vii) CONH—[B]—CONH—NHR2, wherein R2 is H, COO(t-butyl) or COObenzyl; and (viii) NHR2, wherein R2 is H, COO(t-butyl) or COObenzyl, when A is —CH(C

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for the production of purified, active recombinant human neutrophil protease, PR-3, via activation of a pro-form herein referred to as proPR-3. Human PR-3 is useful for discovering inhibitors of excessive release of mature, active TNF&agr;. Also disclosed are methods for the identification of inhibitors of the conversion of the pro-form of TNF&agr; to its mature active form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic applications. For autoimmune diseases more particularly, it is demonstrated herein that individuals with SLE, APLA, MCDS and PSS have antibodies that are specific for SR proteins. Thus, in particular aspects the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing autoimmune disease using SR proteins and antibodies to detect the presence of SR protein-specific antibodies in an individual suspected of having autoimmune disease, wherein the presence of such antibodies is indicative of said individual suffering from autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method of assaying for an analyte including the steps of: (i) passing a sample suspected of containing an analyte and reagents comprising a target ligand-analyte receptor conjugate and a detectable tracer containing a label for the analyte through filter apparatus containing a plurality of discrete flow zones wherein at least one zone functions as a capture zone having bonded thereto a receptor ligand for said target ligand; (ii) allowing the sample and accompanying reagents to incubate prior to passage through said at least one zone to facilitate formation of complex(es) of said conjugate and said at least one analyte in a liquid or fluid phase; and (iii) detecting the presence of analyte in the sample by activation of the label in said at least one zone after binding of the complex(es) conjugate to the associated receptor ligand(s).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for diagnosis of an HIV infection by means of an immunoassay using the specific detection of the p24 antigen of HIV1, HIV1-Sub0 and/or the p26 antigen of HIV2, at least one antibody against the env region of HIV1, HIV1-Sub0 and/or of HIV2 and at least one antibody against the pol and/or gag region of HIV1, HIV1-Sub0 and/or HIV2, reagent kits and test strips suitable for diagnostic procedure as well as monoclonal antibodies against p24 and their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, kits and systems for determining an analyte in a liquid sample as well as the use thereof for concentration analysis and screening purposes. In one method, a specific binding partner to the analyte is permitted to compete with a conjugate containing the analyte or an analyte analogue for the binding to free analyte. The conjugate also contains a component that specifically binds to a solid support so that reacted and unreacted conjugate are bound thereto when the reaction solution is contacted with the solid support. The amount of analyte is then determined by measuring by a label-free mass-detection technique, such as surface plasmon resonance, the amount of binding partner immobilized on the solid support via the reacted conjugate. This is made possible by the binding partner having a considerably greater mass than the conjugate. Variants of this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the HBV DNA polymerase gene which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HBV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for detection of HBV nucleic acids.

Abstract: A particle-enhanced assay for determining an analyte in a test sample in which an additive for reducing non-specific particle aggregation is added in an amount to substantially reduce non-specific aggregation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the detection and quantitation of cardiac specific troponin I and troponin T in samples. Cardiac-specific troponin isoforms exist in various forms in the blood, including free and complexed forms. By selecting antibodies that are sensitive and/or insensitive to these various forms, the present invention can provide immunoassays that more accurately reflect the clinical state of an individual. These described methods and compositions can be used for providing indicators of myocardial infarction and other cardiac pathologies.

Abstract: There is disclosed immune assays and kits for detecting antibodies to infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). The method comprises contacting the ISAV or ISAV antigen with an antibody-containing sample from fish, and detecting specific binding between the antibody and the ISAV or ISAV antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immortalized precursor cell populations derived from embryonic stem cell populations and methods to produce such cell populations. Also disclosed is an assay to identify regulatory compounds capable of controlling cell growth for therapeutic and experimental use.

Abstract: An electrochemical affinity assay system for detection of ligand—ligand receptor binding.

Abstract: An assay device comprising: (a) a substrate comprising: (i) a porous material capable of chromatographically transporting a liquid; and (ii) one or more test reagents for an assay provided on the porous material; and (b) a transparent water-impermeable coating polymer attached to the porous material so as to define a continuous bibulous compartment.

Abstract: A novel method for examining bacterial growth state is carried out by measuring the levels of conserved cytosolic proteins specific for alternative growth states, using bacterial specific antibody fluorochrome-coupled probe. Utilizing the method of the invention, the cellular growth state of individual bacteria can be determined by measuring the abundance of growth state-specific protein homologs. For example, through use of the protein profiling method of the invention, bacterial VNC state can be distinguished by differentiating growing (exponential phase) from nongrowing or dormant (stationary phase) cells.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided which are useful as linking groups in chemical synthesis, preferably in the solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides and polypeptides. These compounds are generally photolabile and comprise protecting groups which can be removed by photolysis to unmask a reactive group. The protecting group has the general formula Ar—C(R1)(R2)—O—C(O)— wherein: Ar is an optionally substituted fused polycyclic aryl or heteroaromatic group or a vinylogous derivative thereof; R1 and R2 are independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaromatic, or a vinylogous derivative of the foregoing; and X is a leaving group, a chemical fragment linked to Ar—C(R1)(R2)—O—C(O)— via a heteroatom, or a solid support; provided that when Ar is 1-pyrenyl and R1 and R2 are H, X is not linked to Ar—C(R1)(R2)—O—C(O)— via a nitrogen atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies against the calcium binding protein S100, the use of these antibodies for the development of immunoassays for specific determination of total S100 or the different isoforms of S100 in serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a biological sample is provided. The method includes the steps of contacting the sample with at least two receptor molecules to generate a first pattern of reactivity and comparing that pattern to a second reactivity pattern generated by a known sample and indicative of oncogene expression.

Abstract: An immunochemical assay device comprising a base member, an array disposed on the base member, and at least one assay indicia zone. The array comprises (I) a reservoir pad to receive sample liquid, (ii) a wicking membrane, and (iii) at least one filter zone interposed between the wicking membrane and the reservoir pad. The filter zone being operable to permit passage of any specific immunocomplex to the wicking membrane while impeding passage of larger components.

Abstract: A method of testing sperm quality including obtaining a sample of sperm to be tested; detecting and measuring the testis-specific HspA2 chaperone protein (or, the chaperone protein homologues to HspA2) in human and animal sperm; and determining a sperm quality parameter based upon the chaperone protein, wherein an increased amount of the chaperone protein species indicates a higher sperm quality. The chaperone protein is detected and measured either by binding one or more antibodies specific to the sperm chaperone protein to the sperm and measuring the antibody content or measuring ATP bound to the sperm chaperone protein. In the case of the latter method, the chaperone protein may be detected and measured by measuring ATP bound to the sperm chaperone protein, and such measuring is by chaperone protein-bound and CK-B generated ATP measurement, or by bioluminescence of the chaperone protein bound-ATP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial UC pANCA antigens. The invention provides methods of diagnosing ulcerative colitis (UC) and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a histone H1-like antigen. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a porin antigen. Methods of diagnosing UC and methods of inducing tolerance in a pANCA-positive patient with UC using a Bacteroides antigen also are provided.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent-labels and enzyme substrates, which preferably are conjugated, are used in immunoassays and electrochemiluminescence is generated catalytically. In conventional electrochemiluminescence immunoassays, an anti-analyte antibody molecule can give rise to typically 6-8 electrochemiluminescence-active ruthenium atoms, while in the present invention, each enzyme-labeled anti-analyte molecule can give rise to thousands of electrochemiluminescence-active ruthenium atoms per second. An exemplary immunoassay is based on a catalytic process employing &bgr;-lactamase-conjugated anti-analytes which enzymatically hydrolyze electrochemiluminescent-labeled substrates, making them strongly electrochemiluminescent. The electrochemiluminescence signal generated by each anti-analyte molecule (i.e., each analyte molecule) is much greater than with the conventional method. Accordingly, greater sensitivity can be gained in the measurement of low concentrations of a given immunoassay analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing, classifying and grading of tumor growths and to determine whether the use of chimeric polioviruses is a proper course for the treatment of the tumors. More particularly, the method is directed to the use of antibodies to a poliovirus receptor (PVR), CD155, to detect the presence of CD155 on tumor cells in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain.

Abstract: A system for producing substantially identical specific binding ligand (e.g., nucleic acid) probe arrays, for instance, by preparing and replicating an original master array and/or by providing a reusable assay array that is capable of being regenerated. In one embodiment the system includes the preparation and use of a) a master array surface having address sequences immobilized in the form of a patterned, and optionally random, array, b) a multi-ligand conjugate having a binding domain complementary to an address sequence, a binding domain complementary to a target sequence, and a third ligand for use in forming (e.g., by binding or polymerization) the conjugates into or onto the surface of assay array, which can be used with or upon disassociation of the address and its complementary sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides derived from the genomic sequence of the TT virus and antibodies generated therefrom, which can be used in diagnostics and medicaments for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TT virus infection. Several synthetic peptides generated according to the methods described herein were found to be reactive to antibodies present in serum from patients suffering from TT virus infection. A peptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 was introduced into mammals and was found to induce the production of antibodies specific for said peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic applications. For autoimmune diseases more particularly, it is demonstrated herein that individuals with SLE, APLA, MCDS and PSS have antibodies that are specific for SR proteins. Thus, in particular aspects the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing autoimmune disease using SR proteins and antibodies to detect the presence of SR protein-specific antibodies in an individual suspected of having autoimmune disease, wherein the presence of such antibodies is indicative of said individual suffering from autoimmune disease.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting the presence of toxigenic strains of C. difficile in a biological sample. One embodiment provides methods for C. difficile detection that involve assaying for both C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase and C. difficile toxin A or toxin B. In another embodiment, the invention provides a highly sensitive assay for C. difficile toxin A that is useful for determining whether a C. difficile strain is toxigenic. This embodiment involves binding of toxin A to a moiety that reversibly binds to a capture moiety present on a magnetic bead. A magnetic field is applied to the sample to concentrate the toxin A, after which the magnetic beads are dissociated and removed from the solution to obtain a highly concentrated preparation of toxin A, thus making possible a very sensitive assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of host cell proteins that interact with viral proteins required for virus replication, and high throughput assays to identify compounds that interfere with the specific interaction between the viral and host cell protein. Interfering compounds that inhibit viral replication can be used therapeutically to treat viral infection. The invention is based, in part, on the Applicants' discovery of novel interactions between viral proteins and a human host cell proteins. One of these host cell proteins, referred to herein as NPI-1, interacts with influenza virus protein NP. Also, host cell proteins, referred to herein as NS1I-1 and NS1-BP interact with influenza virus protein NS1. In addition, host cell proteins containing WW domains that interact with viral proteins such as Rhabdoviral M protein are described.