Abstract: A stool resuspension solution comprising a hemoglobin stabilization reagent is provided. In some embodiments, the hemoglobin stabilization reagent may be an osmolyte, a polyvalent cation, a sugar or polysaccharide and, optionally, a polyvalent cation, a protoporphyrin, or an HRP stabilization component and, optionally, a polyvalent cation. A method of stabilizing hemoglobin in a stool sample in the solution is also provided, as well as a sample collection device containing the solution.

Abstract: Device, systems, and methods for boom deployment and/or boom stowage are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may facilitate root control of a boom utilizing a variety of tools and techniques. Some embodiments may facilitate boom tip control. Some embodiments may include a boom and a boom spool. Some embodiments include one or more devices that may include: one or more compliant components, one or more boom spreaders, one or more stabilizing tabs, one or more spool locks, one or more boom tip guides, one or more root clamps, and/or a single consolidation roller. Some embodiments include methods that may utilize one or more of the noted devices.

Abstract: The inventions provides a method for immunologically determining a keratan sulfate level which method includes bringing an anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibody into contact with a biological sample, the anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibody exhibiting a relative reaction specificity between keratan sulfate-I and keratan sulfate-II represented by IC50KS-I/KS-II of 0.4 to 5, to thereby provide a signal; and detecting keratan sulfate contained in the biological sample from the signal. On the basis of the method, the invention also provides a joint disease detection method and a method for assessing the effect of a remedy for a joint disease and a candidate substance therefor. Through these methods, a very small amount of keratan sulfate contained in a sample, can be determined. Particularly, these methods can determine, at high-sensitivity and high-specificity, the total keratan sulfate including keratan sulfate-I, which have been difficult to determine through a conventional technique.

Abstract: Peptides useful in determining the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed.

Abstract: In a manufacture method for a photovoltaic module, a plurality of strips of resin adhesive film having a desired width and unwound from a single feeding reel is simultaneously pasted on a solar cell. In particular, the manufacture method is implemented by performing the steps of: unwinding a resin adhesive film sheet from a reel on which the resin adhesive film sheet is wound; splitting the unwound resin adhesive film into two or more film strips in correspondence to lengths of wiring material to bond; pasting the strips of resin adhesive film on an electrode of the solar cell; and placing the individual lengths of wiring material on the electrode of the solar cell having the plural strips of resin adhesive film pasted thereon and thermally setting the resin adhesive film by heating so as to fix together the electrode of the solar cell and the wiring material.

Abstract: A liposomal composition, preferably a vaccine, comprising liposomes formed of liposome forming compounds, containing coentrapped polysaccharide antigen and T-cell dependent protein carrier, such as tetanus toxoid or diphtheria toxin modified to render it non-toxic. The invention is of use in the production of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for reducing an amount of non-covalently bound polysaccharide on a support. The method comprises contacting a support comprising both covalently bound polysaccharide and non-covalently bound polysaccharide with an aqueous solution comprising an amount of a chaotropic agent effective to remove non-covalently bound polysaccharide from the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and use of proteins with clinical relevance to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, the invention provides the identity of marker proteins that specifically react with RA-associated autoantibodies. Also provided are methods, arrays and kits for using these proteins in the diagnosis of RA, and in the selection and/or monitoring of treatment regimens.

Abstract: A dipeptide antigen determinant is disclosed where haptenic Cit and Cys residues are connected by means of a peptide bond having the formula III: where A is —NH2, B is —O—, D is —NH—, F is —NHCO—, or —NR—, where R is hydrogen or acyl, G is —CONH—, or —COOR, wherein R is alkyl, E is (CH2)n?, wherein n? is an integer from 1 to 6, S is —SH, or —SS—, on the condition that free thiol (SH) of Cys is crosslinked by a disulfide bond to another Cys. The antigen determinant reacts sensitively and specifically with serum autoantibodies present in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is useful for diagnosing or treating RA.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the progression of cartilage degeneration diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, by quantitating collagen synthesis and degradation markers in patient samples. One can determine whether a cartilage degeneration condition is progressing, regressing, or remaining stable by quantitating collagen synthesis and degradation markers in patient samples and comparing the value obtained to a reference value. When a joint affected by cartilage degeneration in question expresses collagen synthesis and degradation markers, a change in this value is indicative of a change in the progression of the cartilage degeneration condition. The methods and apparatus of the invention allow accurate determination of the therapeutic effects certain cartilage degeneration drug treatments, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis drug treatments, so are also useful for pharmaceutical efficacy studies in mammals.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of detecting autoantibodies from patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. To this end, according to the invention, at least two peptide units are used of which at least one peptide unit comprises a part not derived from (pro)filaggrin, fibrin, fibrinogen, vimentin, cytokeratin 1 and cytokeratin 9, and which peptide unit comprises the motif XG, and a peptide unit comprising the motif XnonG, wherein X is a citrulline or an analogue thereof, and nonG is an amino acid other than glycine.

Abstract: An immunological latex turbidimetry method for analyzing an antigen or antibody in a sample, comprising the steps of: (1) bringing a sample which may contain the antigen or antibody to be analyzed into contact with a protease-treated albumin; and (2) bringing a mixture obtained in the above step (1) into contact with latex particles carrying an antibody or antigen specifically reacting with the antigen or antibody to be assayed, and analyzing a turbidity caused by a latex agglutination reaction, is disclosed. Further, an immunological latex turbidimetry reagent comprising (1) a first component containing a protease-treated albumin, and (2) a second component containing latex particles carrying an antibody or antigen specifically reacting with an antigen or antibody to be assayed is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a peptide capable of binding to an immunoglobulin; a fusion protein of the peptide; nucleic acids encoding the peptide and the fusion protein, respectively; production methods for the peptide and the fusion protein, respectively; a composition and a means for binding an immunoglobulin; a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of a disease induced by the binding between C1q and an immunoglobulin, which comprises a peptide capable of binding to the immunoglobulin or a fusion protein of the peptide; and others.

Abstract: Autoantibodies reacting against citrullinated peptides derived from C-telopeptides of type I and type II collagens are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They detect sequences —YYXA from ?1 or —FYXA from ?2 chain of type I collagen or —YMXA from ?1 chain of type II collagen, where X is citrulline. The antibodies are different from anti-filaggrin antibodies. The peptides of the invention can be used in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Oral administration of citrullinated peptides can induce tolerance and lead to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Peptide ligands having affinity for IgG or for serum albumin are disclosed. Also disclosed are hybrid molecules comprising a peptide ligand domain and an active domain. The active domain may comprise any molecule having utility as a therapeutic or diagnostic agent The hybrid molecules of the invention may be prepared using any of a number techniques including production in and purification from recombinant organisms transformed or transfected with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the hybrid molecule, or by chemical synthesis of the hybrid. The hybrid molecules have utility as agents to alter the elimination half-times of active domain molecules. Elimination half-time is altered by generating a hybrid molecule of the present invention wherein the peptide ligand has binding affinity for a plasma protein.

Abstract: Peptide ligands having affinity for IgG or for serum albumin are disclosed. Also disclosed are hybrid molecules comprising a peptide ligand domain and an active domain. The active domain may comprise any molecule having utility as a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The hybrid molecules of the invention may be prepared using any of a number techniques including production in and purification from recombinant organisms transformed or transfected with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the hybrid molecule, or by chemical synthesis of the hybrid. The hybrid molecules have utility as agents to alter the elimination half-times of active domain molecules. Elimination half-time is altered by generating a hybrid molecule of the present invention wherein the peptide ligand has binding affinity for a plasma protein.

Abstract: Peptides having the following amino acid sequence as well as peptides or proteins which contain this amino acid sequence: R1-X01-X02-X03-X04-X05-X06-X07-X08-X09-X10-X11-X12-X13-R2. These peptides have a high affinity for immunoglobulins. Applications of the peptides according to the invention are also described.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and apparatus are provided which utilize flow cytometry, coated latex microspheres, and fluorochrome labeled antibodies, to simultaneously detect the presence and amount of one or more analytes in a sample. Beads of several different sizes, colors or shapes, each bead are coated with a different analyte, for the simultaneous detection of one or more analytes and of cell components. The invention is also directed to platelet Ig positive control reagents and assays which provide for the setting of the fluorescence positive region for each patient. The platelet control is sized to fit between the platelets and red cells and thus making it ideal as a true biological control.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and apparatus are provided which utilize flow cytometry, coated latex microspheres, and fluorochrome labeled antibodies, to simultaneously detect the presence and amount of one or more analytes in a sample. By combining FALS and fluorescence, it is practical to use beads of several different sizes, colors or shapes, each bead coated with a different analyte, for the simultaneous detection of one or more analytes and of cell components such as platelets in a sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns an artificial antigen specifically identified by the anti-filaggrin autoantibodies present in the serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid polyarthritis, and consisting of one polypeptide comprising all or part of the sequence of one filaggrin unit or of a related molecule, in which an arginine radical has been substituted by a citrulline radical. The invention also concerns the use of this antigen for diagnosing rheumatoid polyarthritis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide derived from an antigen recognized by autoantibodies, which peptide is reactive with autoimmune antibodies from a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The peptide according to the invention possesses a modified arginine residue. The invention also relates to antibodies against the peptide and a method of detection autoimmune antibodies.

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: The invention concerns a method for the determination of antigen-specific antibodies of the immunoglobulin M class in the presence of immunoglobulins of the G class and/or rheumatoid factors in body fluids by incubation with at least two different receptors R1 and R2 and optionally additional receptors wherein an essential component of R2 is a binding partner in a polymeric form and interference by IgG antibodies of the same antigen specificity is reduced by binding partners in a monomeric form; a reagent for determining an antigen-specific antibody of the immunoglobulin M class, as well as the use of binding partners in a monomeric form to reduce interference by IgG antibodies in the determination of antigen-specific IgM antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide derived from an antigen recognized by autoantibodies, which peptide is reactive with autoimmune antibodies from a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The peptide according to the invention possesses a modified arginine residue. The invention also relates to antibodies against the peptide and a method of detecting autoimmune antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the use of individual administration forms of an erythropoietin preparation and a physiologically compatible iron preparation corresponding to an equivalent amount of 1-40 mg of iron ions for the production of a pharmaceutical combination preparation for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing together in an aqueous medium to form a mixture: (i) the sample; (ii) at least one specific binder for the analyte; (iii) a first binding agent coupled to either (1) exogenous analyte or (2) the specific binder for the analyte; (iv) a support comprising a second binding agent; b) adding an activator to the mixture, wherein the activator binds the first binding agent and the second binding agent of the support to immobilize the first binding agent; c)determining the amount of the analyte in the sample by detecting the immobilized first binding agent, the presence or amount thereof being related to the presence or amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A reagent for immunologically detecting rheumatism containing as an antigen at least one mammalian protein selected from among ezrin, radixin and moesin and/or a peptide composed of at least nine consecutive amino acid residues found in the amino acid sequences of ezrin, radixin and moesin; and a method of detecting autoantibodies present in the serum of a rheumatic. An immunological reaction using this reagent enables precritical or early diagnosis of rheumatism. An immunological detection using the above autoantigenic proteins is convenient and reliable as an early serodiagnostic method based on rheumatism-specific antigens.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and apparatus are provided which utilize flow cytometry, coated latex microspheres, and labelled antibodies, to simultaneously detect the presence and amount of several antigens or antibodies in a sample. Microspheres can be sized by forward angle light scatter (FALS) or electronic volume. By combining FALS and fluorescence, it is practical to use beads of several different sizes, colors or shapes, each bead coated with a different protein or antibody, for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. Available auto-sampling systems make it even more appealing in this regard. In accordance with one embodiment, highly purified RNP. Sm, SS-A, SS-B and Scl-70 antigens are bound to 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 .mu.m latex beads, respectively and stabilized for extended shelflife. Diluted patient serum is placed into test tubes containing a mixture of the five antigen coated beads and incubated. If an antibody is present for a specific antigen, it will bind to that specific bead.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis of severe diseases based on the determination of the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies in patients and to a method of treatment thereof. More precisely, the invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of severe diseases in patients, which comprises the steps of: a) incubating a solid support coated with an AGE antibody with a biological sample from said patient for a time sufficient for an immunoreaction to occur; and b) determining the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies present in said sample; whereby the presence of AGE-IgG autoantibodies in said patient's sample is indicative of a severe disease. Such severe diseases which may be diagnosed in accordance with the present invention include Rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, amyloidosis, diabetes, Henoch Schonlein Purpura, Crohn's disease and Coeliac disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunochemical method for the detection and determination of rheumatoid factors using immune complexes as specific binding partners as well as to the preparation of reagents that are suitable for these methods.

Abstract: A reagent for immunologically detecting rheumatism containing as an antigen at least one mammalian protein selected from among ezrin, radixin and moesin and/or a peptide composed of at least nine consecutive amino acid residues found in the amino acid sequences of ezrin, radixin and moesin; and a method of detecting autoantibodies present in the serum of a rheumatic. An immunological reaction using this reagent enables precritical or early diagnosis of rheumatism. An immunological detection using the above autoantigenic proteins is convenient and reliable as an early serodiagnostic method based on rheumatism-specific antigens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition composed of several different antibodies or/and antibody fragments which is suitable as a reagent to reduce interferences in an immunological method for the class-specific detection of antibodies from one or several of the immunoglobulin classes G, M, A, D and E.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens extracted from mammalian malpighian epithelia, in particular rat esophageal epithelium or human epidermis, which are specifically recognized by the autoantibodies present in patients suffering form rheumatoid arthritis in respect of antigenic determinants in common with filaggrin and human profilaggrin, as well as to the antigenic proteins of which said antigens are composed and to the peptide fragments derived therefrom. The invention relates to the use of these antigens, proteins and peptide fragments, and that of filaggrin and human profilaggrin, for the preparation of antigenic compositions, and to their applications, in particular for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention also relates to the preparation of antibodies directed towards these antigens, and to their applications.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for treatment of disorders involving immunological dysfunction. The invention comprises the administration of a low level of ribonucleotide polymerase protein or a derivative thereof to a human or animal with an immune dysfunction disorder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of detecting antipolymer antibodies, and a method for detecting silicone related disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel clinical examination method which comprises analyzing the alteration in the amount of a specific component in oligosaccharides of immunogloblin G. Human diseases such as liver diseases, malignant hypertension, immunogloblin A-nephropathy, pediatric disorders, etc., are examined in terms of the alteration in bisecting N-acetylglucosamine-containing oligosaccharides in immunogloblin G from collected humor. The present invention provides highly accurate information in a manner applicable to practical operation for examination of liver diseases, allergic diseases, malignant hypertension, immunogloblin A nephropathy, pediatric disorders, as well as aging-dependent variations and the therapeutic effect of interferon.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for treatment of disorders involving immunological dysfunction. The invention comprises the administration of a low level of ribonucleotide polymerase protein or a derivative thereof to a human or animal with an immune dysfunction disorder.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a composition which is composed of several different antibodies or/and antibody fragments which serves as a reagent to eliminate rheumatoid factor interference in an immunochemical method.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting elevated levels of phospholipase A.sub.2 activating protein in persons suspected of having rheumatoid arthritis to thereby indicate the presence of rheumatoid arthritis in the person comprising the steps of providing a sample of body fluid or tissue from said person; contacting the sample with an antibody specific for phospholipase A.sub.2 activating protein such that the antibody binds with phospholipase A.sub.2 activating protein in the sample; detecting the antibody thereby indicating the presence of phospholipase A.sub.2 activating protein, whereby elevated levels of phospholipase A.sub.2 activating protein in the sample as compared with levels found in persons not having rheumatoid arthritis indicates the presence of rheumatoid arthritis in the person. Kits and reagents for detecting rheumatoid arthritis are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: An assay and method for screening newborns to determine risk of Sudden Infant Syndrome is described. The assay and method is based on the detection of elevated IgM-anti-IgG (MAG) levels in newborns' serum within the first year of birth. In particular, it has been discovered that elevated MAG levels indicate an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Abstract: A method for treating biological samples, e.g., human sera or plasma, suspected of containing rheumatoid factors to eliminate cross-reactivity and false positive assay results in IgM immunoassays that are caused by the presence of rheumatoid factors in these biological samples. In one aspect, the method comprises diluting a biological sample with a sufficient amount of rheumatoid factor neutralization buffer to cause the pH of resulting reaction mixtures containing this sample and a solid phase material to be sufficiently low to cause rheumatoid factors in those mixtures to reduce their affinity to IgG antibodies to such an extent that they will not form a complex with IgG antibodies bound to the solid phase material, thereby facilitating the removal of these rheumatoid factors from the mixtures prior to the detection phase of a diagnostic assay.

Abstract: A process to aid in the diagnosis of silicone related disease in which a correlation between silicone related disease and the presence of antibodies that bind to partially polymerized acrylamide is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a simple and rapid method for immune complex dissociation and destruction of rheumatoid factors. It permits the quantitative measurement of the total, i.e., free and immune complex-bound, antigen contained in a test sample. The method involves heating the test sample to a point sufficiently above 65.degree. C. at which the antigen-binding function of antibodies is destroyed. As a consequence, interference by rheumatoid factors is eliminated and the antigen is released from immune complexes, after which it can be measured in an antigen assay that recognizes the heat-denatured antigen.

Abstract: An assay and method for screening newborns to determine risk of Sudden Infant Syndrome is described. The assay and method is based on the detection of elevated IgM-anti-IgG (MAG) levels in newborns' serum within the first year of birth. In particular, it has been discovered that elevated MAG levels indicate an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an ELISA is utilized in which a first binding agent having specific affinity for IgM is used to capture and separate IgM antibodies from the newborn's blood sample. A second binding agent having specific affinity for IgG which has been separated from the sample eluant by complexing with MAG, is then used in conjunction with an enzyme conjugate to indirectly determine the amount of MAG in the newborn's blood. The MAG level is then compared to a cut-off which is selected to separate out approximately 4% of the newborns which have the highest MAG levels.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of tests to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.

Abstract: New devices and kits for solid-phase immuno-assays comprising a solid porous support, preferably in the form of a sheet, where antigens or immuno-globulins or both of them are bound by direct application in any suitable geometry, e.g. as an assay of dots or lines. Such porous supports are suitable for effecting an unlimited number of antibody-antigen reactions simultaneously and in one operation.

Abstract: A method for the detection of the presence of inflammation in a patient by measuring the amount of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule (cICAM-1) in a sample of one or more bodily fluids of the patient and then comparing the amount of cICAM-1 in the sample to standards normal for the bodily fluid or fluids assayed. The amount of cICAM-1 can be measured using anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Higher than normal amounts of cICAM-1 indicate the presence of inflammation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latex agglutination method for the detection or determination of one partner of an antigen-antibody reaction, wherein, in order to suppress non-specific reactions, to, for example, Clq and rheumatoid factors the immunochemical reaction takes place in the presence of an immune complex which does not contain any antibody or antigen that is specific for one of the partners.