Abstract: The present invention relates to the finding that antibodies bind to the &bgr;-amyloid peptide, and that &bgr;-amyloid peptide binds the hinge region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, thereby preserving the ability of the immunoglobulin to bind antigen. Methods for binding compounds such as detectable groups to &bgr;-amyloid peptide are accordingly presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and/or monitoring thrombophilic disease in a patient that can result from the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (aPL syndrome). The methods of the invention are premised on the inhibition of binding of an anticoagulant protein, annexin, preferably annexin-V, to phospholipids by antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies in a patient blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the status of a multiple sclerosis patient, i.e., predicting the transition from a status of relapsing-remitting to a progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, comprising the step of measuring the amount of urinary p-cresol sulfate in the patient. The present invention also provides a method of determining the amount of lesions and total lesion area of a multiple sclerosis patient, comprising the step of measuring the amount of urinary p-cresol sulfate in the patient. Further provided is a method of monitoring myelination in a developing child, comprising the step of: measuring the amount of p-cresol sulfate in the urine of said child.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, nucleic acid sequences encoding the GlyT1d form of glycine transporter, vectors, methods of producing the transporter, and methods for identifying bioactive agents.

Abstract: Various immunologically active proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi have been prepared by genetic manipulation in microorganisms. To do this, the specific DNA sequences were selected from a B. burgdorferi gene bank using suitable screening methods, or were prepared directly by DNA amplification using selected hybridization probes, and were placed under the control of inducible promoters such as, for example, the lac promoter. It has been possible, owing to description of efficient purification methods for the expressed antigens, to provide the proteins in a suitable way. These proteins can be used to produce specific and sensitive diagnostic assay kits. The specific combination of the immunologically active proteins makes precise diagnosis possible. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies have been generated and are used as reagents for detecting pathogens directly in test samples or after cultivation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to radiolabeled neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists which are useful for the labeling and diagnostic imaging of neurokinin-1 receptors in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating LBP-mediated LPS-induced myeloid cell activation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LBP monoclonal antibody molecule. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-LBP antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte of interest present in a mixture at an ultralow concentration includes selecting a radioactive derivatizing agent comprising a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope moiety and a moiety reactive with the analyte of interest, the radioisotope moeity being bound to the derivatizing agent by a bond that is stable under the conditions employed in the other steps of the method, derivatizing the analyte of interest with the derivatizing agent, separating the analyte of interest from other components of the mixture by chromatography, and detecting the analyte of interest using multiphoton detection. The derivatizing step may be performed before or after fractionation. A radiophore for multiphoton emission enhanced chromatography has a first moeity bound to a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope, and a second moiety that is reactive with a functional group of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of measuring oxidative response of cells without recourse to preparation of cell culture. The process involves: 1) preparing suspensions of cells from a living host in isotonic solutions, 2) preparing samples of test materials in isotonic solution containing tagged choline, 3) adding the cells suspension prepared in step 1 to the samples prepared in step 2, 4) incubating the product of step 3 with shaking for 2-90 minutes, 5) extracting and drying the lipid phase from the product of step 4, and 6) subjecting the product of step 5 to a scintillation counter to measure choline which has been incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC). An increase in incorporation of choline into PC in the short term indicates oxidative stress or free radical induced damage. Because the method of the invention using the cell isolates does not require the expense of cell culture with concomitant expense and possibility of cell change, it is particularly useful for clinical evaluation.

Abstract: Surfactants alone or in combination with salts are used to stabilize radiolabeled peptides and proteins contained in diagnostic or therapeutic radiopharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which recognize defined regions of the T-cell receptor (TCR). In a specific embodiment, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies which are reactive with a constant region of the alpha chain of the TCR. In particular embodiments, the invention relates to two monoclonal antibodies, termed &agr;F1 and &agr;F2, which react with two different epitopes on the framework region of the &agr; monomer of the TCR molecule. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the beta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides two monoclonal antibodies, termed W112 and 2D1, which react with &bgr; chain variable regions V&bgr;5.3 and V&bgr;8.1, respectively. In another specific embodiment, the invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variable region of the delta chain of the TCR. In particular, the invention provides monoclonal antibody &dgr;TCS1, isotype IgG2a.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high throughput compatible assay that is useful for the identification of specific antagonists of TRAF-receptor interactions. The modular flexibility of the assay makes it possible to introduce simple modifications in order to measure the interaction of any TNF receptor cytoplasmic domain (or TRAF-binding protein) with any of the six TRAF proteins, TRAF1, TRAF2, TRAF3, TRAF4, TRAF5 and TRAF6.

Abstract: Additives are proposed for compositions comprising radiolabelled organic compounds e.g. 32P-labelled nucleotides. Stabilizers are selected from tryptophan, para-aminobenzoate, indoleacetate and the azole group. Dyes are selected from Sulphorhodamine B, Xylene Cyanol, Azocarmine B and New Coccine. Preferred compositions contain both stabilizer and dye.

Abstract: Methods for detecting schizophrenia or depression based on modifications of the contribution of the D.sub.4 receptor to phospholipid methylation levels are described herein. Individuals with schizophrenia or depression have a deficiency in phospholipid methylation activity compared with normal individuals. Methods for screening therapeutic processes or agents for use in treatment of schizophrenia or related neuropsychiatric disorders are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of detecting and diagnosing neurological disease or dysfunction using antibodies against a neurological form of Pancreatic Thread Protein (nPTP). Specifically, this invention is directed to a method of diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease, Down's Syndrome, and other neurological diseases or dysfunctions by using monoclonal antibodies, combination of those monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid probes, to detect nPTP. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding PTP and to the substantially pure form of nPTP. The invention additionally relates to a method of diagnosing pancreatic disease using antibodies against Pancreatic Thread Protein.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of the presence of an analyte which becomes embedded in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, from the bloodstream of a subject which comprises preparing a mixture containing dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol ("DTT"), an enzyme suitable for the digestion of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to digest the sample of keratin structure to form a digest solution, followed by the addition of a salt of a metal of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and cobalt to deactivate the DTT; and finally subjecting the digest solution to analysis to determine the presence of the analyte in the keratin structure sample. The protease enzymes papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K are preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining the status of a multiple sclerosis patient, i.e., predicting the transition from a status of relapsing-remitting to a progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, comprising the step of measuring the levels of urinary myelin basic protein-like material in the patient. The present invention also provides a method of determining the amount of lesions and total lesion area of a multiple sclerosis patient, comprising the step of measuring the levels of urinary myelin basic protein-like material in the patient. Further provided is a method of monitoring myelination in a developing child, comprising the step of: measuring the levels of myelin basic protein-like material in the urine of said child.

Abstract: A vessel, or an array of vessels, in the form of a multiwell plate, wherein the side walls are opaque and non-scintillant, and wherein the base comprises a scintillant substance, said base being formed of a plastics material which does not permit the attachment or growth of cells.

Abstract: Immunoassays for complement components, complement activation products or, preferably both, can be used to determine an acceptable level of anticomplement activity (AC) in plasma derived biologically active products intended for infusion into a mammal. In one application an ELISA for complement components (CC) such as C1q, C1r or C1s can be used to determine AC in an IgM-enriched immune serum globulin (ISG). In another application, an immunoassay for complement activation products (CAP) is used for a similar determination. In yet a preferred third application, assays for both a CC (such as measuring a decreasing amount of C1r) and a CAP (such as measuring an increasing amount of C4a) are used to assess the relative AC (and safety) of a biologically active, therapeutic preparation.

Abstract: A method of performing immunoassay to detect the level of target proteins common to various malignancies including metallopanstimulin or metallopanstimulin-like materials as well as complement components, in a biologic sample is provided wherein the protein molecules in the patient sample compete with radiolabeled peptide for sites on the Anti-peptide-specific antibody. The amount of radioactivity measured is inversely proportional to the concentration of protein molecules present in the patient sample, which is determined from a standard curve. Another method includes determining the presence of a protein elevated in the serum of patients with neoplasms by the detection of the interference of binding or precipitation of a first antibody by a second antibody by the target protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical devices for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The analytical devices comprise an inlet port, a vent, a channel, and an array of structures. The structures have immobilized reagent covalently or non-covalently attached to the surface of the structures. The immobilized reagent captures analyte in the test sample where it is detected by a detection system. The present invention also provides methods and reagents for performing assays utilizing the analytical devices of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the analytical devices of the present invention.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding major Yo paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide is provided by this invention. This invention also provides a purified major Yo antigenic polypeptide and compositions containing the purified major Yo antigenic polypeptide. Further provided by this invention is a monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope on the major Yo paraneoplastic antigenic polypeptide. Compositions containing this monoclonal antibody also are provided by this invention. This invention also provides methods of diagnosis and treatment using the compositions described hereinabove.

Abstract: A stent for the inhibition of restentosis. The stent is coated with an antigen which can be bound by a labelled antibody. The antibody is preferably labelled with a radioactive source. After the stent has been placed in the blood vessel of the subject, the antibody is injected. The antibody then binds to the antigen on the stent, thereby localizing the radioactive source to the area to be treated, for example for restenosis. Other biomedical devices, such as coil, artificial valve and vascular graft, could also be used in the place of the stent. The biomedical device could be placed in another biological passageway, such as the gastrointestinal tract, an airway or the genitourinary tract.

Abstract: A deepithelialized skin cell diffusion system which can be used to select topical gel and cream formulations containing human other wound healing promoters such as plasma fibronectin. The formulations provide slow release and increased contact time of fibronectin or other wound healing promoters to the wound site leading to its effective absorption.

Abstract: Method for the determination of chlamydial or gram negative bacterial antigen comprising contacting a sample potentially containing extracted antigen with an optically active surface comprising an attachment layer, and a layer of non-specific protein.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte of interest present in a mixture at an ultralow concentration includes selecting a radioactive derivatizing agent comprising a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope moiety and a moiety reactive with the analyte of interest, the radioisotope moeity being bound to the derivatizing agent by a bond that is stable under the conditions employed in the other steps of the method, derivatizing the analyte of interest with the derivatizing agent, separating the analyte of interest from other components of the mixture by chromatography, and detecting the analyte of interest using multiphoton detection. The derivatizing step may be performed before or after fractionation. A radiophore for multiphoton emission enhanced chromatography has a first moeity bound to a multiphoton-emitting radioisotope, and a second moiety that is reactive with a functional group of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: Phospho-specific antibodies which recognize the phosphorylated forms of cAMP-responsive transcription factors are provided.

Abstract: Additives are proposed for compositions comprising radiolabelled organic compounds e.g. 32P-labelled nucleotides. Stabilisers are selected from tryptophan, para-aminobenzoate, indoleacetate and the azole group. Dyes are selected from Sulphorhodamine B, Xylene Cyanol, Azocarmine B and New Coccine. Preferred compositions contain both stabiliser and dye.

Abstract: A method of assaying for CAT in a fluid involves the use of a complex of chloramphenicol with a member of a specific binding pair such as a hapten or biotin. Biotinylated chloramphenicol is claimed as new. A scintillation proximity assay involves use of this reagent with tritiated acetyl coenzyme A and streptavidin coated SPA beads.

Abstract: Bifunctional aromatic compounds which are capable of linking metal ions to biologically useful molecules. The bifunctional compounds are characterized as having a hydrazine or hydrazide group and a protein reactive group. The hydrazine or hydrazide group may be protected as a lower alkyl hydrazone. Conjugates of the bifunctional compounds with macromolecules are also described and labelled macromolecules comprised of the conjugates and metal ions are provided. Additionally, a method is provided for forming a labelled macromolecule by reacting a conjugate with a metal species. The compounds and method of this invention are particularly useful in the fields of biology and medicine for imaging and/or therapy.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and compositions for preventing aggregation of amyloid .beta.-protein (.beta.AP) aggregation. Aggregation of amyloid .beta.-protein is associated with the deposition of amyloid in the brain. Amyloid .beta.-protein-binding compounds such as transthyretin are described which form complexes with .beta.AP and prevent formation of amyloid. This invention also identifies the serine 6 mutation in the TTR gene as predictive of person at risk for developing .beta.AP associated amyloidosis.

Abstract: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is amplified in 40% of malignant gliomas and the amplified genes are frequently rearranged. The genetic alterations associated with these rearrangements are characterized in five malignant gliomas. In one tumor, the rearrangement resulted in the deletion of most of the extracytoplasmic domain of the receptor, resulting in a hybrid mRNA between new sequences and the truncated EGFR. The predicted amino acid sequence of the protein from this tumor was remarkably similar to that described for several viral erb-B oncogenes. Four other tumors were noted to have internal deletions of the EGF receptor gene. These rearrangements brought about in-frame deletions affecting either of two cysteine-rich domains in the extracytoplasmic portion of the molecule. The clonal nature of these alterations, and the fact that identical alterations were seen in more than one tumor, suggests a role for these mutant receptor proteins in tumorigenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical devices for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The analytical devices comprise an inlet port, a vent, a channel, and an array of structures. The structures have immobilized reagent covalently or non-covalently attached to the surface of the structures. The immobilized reagent captures analyte in the test sample where it is detected by a detection system. The present invention also provides methods and reagents for performing assays utilizing the analytical devices of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the analytical devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen free from type III procollagen carboxyterminal propeptide can be used to produce an antibody which is specific for carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen and which has no affinity for the type III procollagen carboxyterminal propeptide. This antibody can be used to assay more accurately the propeptide which is a measure of the rate of production of type I procollagen and useful in diagnosing and monitoring e.g. bone diseases.

Abstract: SLO peptide antigens are described. These peptide antigens are suitable for the determination of SLO antibodies, as immunogens for the production of antibodies against SLO and as vaccines for the production of vaccines against SLO.

Abstract: Additives are proposed for compositions comprising radiolabelled organic compounds e.g. 32P-labelled nucleotides. Stabilizers are selected from tryptophan, para-aminobenzoate, indoleacetate and the azole group. Dyes are selected from Sulphorhodamine B, Xylene Cyanol, Azocarmine B and New Coccine. Preferred compositions contain both stabilizer and dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunossays for metal ions. The invention presents: metal ion-ligand coordination complexes ("MLC"), novel ligands, antibodies specific for MLC, immunoassays utilizing the foregoing, and methods for selecting said antibodies.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for studying cellular processes comprise a vessel having a base including a layer comprising a scintillant substance and which is adapted for attachment and/or growth of cells. Cellular processes are examined by scintillation proximity assay using a reagent labelled with a radioisotope.

Abstract: Specific peptide fragment from the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and its use as a diagnostic reagent.The said peptide fragment, derived from the Env protein of the Wo strain of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (peptide P253), corresponds to positions 693-709 of the said Env protein and exhibits the following sequence:Leu-Gly-X-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-X-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala-, in which X represents a cysteine or a serine, as follows:Leu-Gly-Cys-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Cys-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 1),Leu-Gly-Ser-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Ser-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 2),Leu-Gly-Cys-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Ser-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 3),Leu-Gly-Ser-Asn-Gln-Asn-Gln-Phe-Phe-Cys-Lys-Val-Pro-Ser-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 4).

Abstract: The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is measured in biological samples as body fluids. ACE-activity is estimated in minimally diluted specimens, using the natural substrate angiotensin I at close to physiological concentration. Femtomoles of generated angiotensin II are trapped by specific high affinity monoclonal antibodies and thus protected from degradation by angiotensinases during the incubation step. The same antibodies are subsequently used for quantitation by radioimmunoassay.

Abstract: Detectably labelled annexines and compositions thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing a disruption or activation of the hemostatic system or a prothrombotic state in an individual suspected of having a hemostatic disorder, by contacting the blood of said individual with an annexine, and detecting whether an annexine-platelet complex is formed.

Abstract: A hepatitis B vaccine containing a peptide with an amino acid chain of at least six consecutive amino acids within the pre-S gene coded region of the envelope of hepatitis B virus. The vaccine being free of an amino acid sequence corresponding to the naturally occurring envelope proteins of hepatitis B virus and a physiologically acceptable diluent. The peptide being free or linked to a carrier. The carrier being a conventional carrier or a novel carrier including a lipid vesicle stabilized by cross-linking and having covalently bonded active sites on the outer surface thereon. Such novel carrier being useful not only to link the novel peptide containing an amino acid chain with amino acids within the pre-S gene coded region of the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus, but can also be used to bind synthetic peptide analogues of other viral proteins, as well as bacterial, allergen and parasitic proteins of man and animals.

Abstract: A biologically active oligosaccharide compound comprising at least two L hexose rings connected together by an ether oxygen atom. The ether oxygen atom is connected to a first of the rings at the first carbon atom to the right of the hexose ring oxygen atom. The compound contains at least one sulfate or phosphate group connected to the first ring at the third carbon atom to the right of the ring oxygen or to a methyl group at the fifth carbon atom to the right of the ring oxygen atom.The invention further includes the method for using the above oligosaccharide compound to detect .alpha. 1,3-L-fucosyltransferases or to block the activity of such .alpha. 1,3-L-fucosyltransferases or structures which mimic the structure of such fucosyltransferases to the extent that such structures bind to compounds of the present invention, e.g., as in the case of HIV virus.

Abstract: A method for improved measurement of a concentration of an analyte in a sample having an unknown concentration of the analyte includes using an affinity assay having an experimental indicator. Standard and control samples, each having a known concentration of the analyte are assayed and a response, an amount of experimental indicator emitted for each sample is detected. The unknown sample is also assayed and its response is detected. A prior probability density is supplied for the unknown concentration, along with a model for a standard curve relating an expected response to a concentration of the analyte. A posterior density, having a median, for the unknown concentration is generated based on the supplied prior density, the supplied model, and the responses for the standard samples, the control samples and the unknown samples, by applying Bayes' rule.

Abstract: In a method for measuring a specified component in a specimen by reacting the specimen with a first reagent formed by binding a substance active to the specified component, with carrier particles and a second reagent formed by labelling a substance active to the specified component with a first label, and measuring the substances in the complexes obtained in the reaction, there is disclosed a method featured by labelling the carrier particles with a second label different from the first label, and detecting the second label and then the first label utilizing the detection of the second label as a trigger.This method enables a highly precise measurement without the influence of noise components in the detection of specified trace components in the specimen, utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction or a nucleic acid hybridization.

Abstract: A novel method for detecting chitin, and for diagnosing fungal infections (including yeast infections), with a chitinase or other chitin-specific binding protein. This method should allow the convenient, broad spectrum diagnosis of fungal infections in tissue samples or in body fluids. Fungal infections are a particular problem in immunocompromised hosts such as AIDS patients, where they can cause opportunistic infections. This invention overcomes difficulties experienced by prior methods of diagnosing fungal infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel monoclonal antibodies HE-22A, HE-35A, HE-39E, and HE-69B against human IgE, a mixture thereof, hybridomas producing the antibodies, and immunoassays of human IgE employing the antibodies, which are useful for clinical diagnosis of allergic diseases or parasitic infections.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting whether a test composition can inhibit cell fusion mediated by paramyxovirus infection. A method is also provided for identifying an antiviral peptide capable of inhibiting paramyxovirus-induced cell fusion. The methods are based on the discovery that the hemagglutination and fusion-inducing proteins of paramyxoviruses interact to form a complex termed HN:F, that is prerequisite to cell fusion. Antibodies to HN:F provide a novel means of providing improved immunity against paramyxovirus infection.

Abstract: A method for screening for osteoporosis comprising bone sialoprotein of mammals. Osteoporosis can be screened by bringing the body fluid sample collected from a living body into contact with the above-mentioned diagnostic agent to immunochemically detect the antibody which is present in the said sample and specifically reacts with the said diagnostic agent.

Abstract: A rapid radioactive method of measuring enzymatic activity of a protein kinase is disclosed. The method is an improvement to existing methodology which involves phosphorylating a peptide substrate using .sup.32 P-ATP, adsorbing the phosphorylated peptide to a solid phase, washing the phase to remove non-adsorbed .sup.32 P-ATP, and measuring the radioactivity of the phosphorylated peptide adsorbed to the phase. The disclosed improvement uses a membrane as the solid phase and positions the membrane within a chamber to separate the chamber into a first and second region. Washing is accomplished with centrifugal force; the washed solution being forced through the membrane from the first region into the second region.