Abstract: For isotopes decaying by capture of an inner shell electron by the nucleus, coincident emission of X-ray and gamma photons may occur. The X-ray results from the drop of an outer shell electron to fill the S shell. The gamma results from the transition of the excited daughter nucleus to a lower energy state. The invention disclosed is a Coincident Gamma and X-ray Detector (CGXD) which achieves extraordinary background rejection by a synergistic combination of coincident counting and other background suppression measures. Whereas the background registered by single gamma counters is of the order of 20-40 counts per minute, a CGXD optimized for the electron capture radioisotope I.sup.125 has a background of about one count per day.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the determination of a physiological abnormality in a human or animal subject, which method includes determining ion flux across the membrane of epithelial cells taken from the subject, wherein said cells are selected from the group consisting of check epithelial (buccal mucosal) cells, skin dermal epithelial cells and bladder epithelial cells. In one embodiment of the invention, the ion is a sodium ion, and the physiologically abnormality is hypertension or a predisposition towards hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits for diagnosing, Alzheimer's disease. The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that proteolytic fragments of the amino and carboxy terminal amino acid residues of tau-proteins are released from the neurofibrillary tangles associated with the disease and can be detected in body fluids outside the brain. The tau-proteins will be purified or chemically synthesized and peptide fragments of the amino terminal and carboxy terminal regions will be obtained proteolytically or synthesized chemically and will be used in generating tau specific antibodies for use in diagnostic kits for the detection of Alzheimer's disease. These diagnostic kits will be used in screening the body fluids of individuals for the presence of tau-peptide fragments. Alternatively, the tau-peptides themselves may be used in diagnostic kits for screening the body fluids of individuals for the presence of circulating autoantibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of modified C-reactive protein ("mCRP"). The invention also provides a method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal mCRP in combination with another agent such as a chemotherapeutic compound, immunoadjuvant, or cytokine. The mCRP may be administered to the mammal in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or in liposomes. The invention further provides a method of identifying cancer cells in a mammal using mCRP as an imaging agent.

Abstract: Methods and cards for detecting an antigen or antibody in a fluid sample are disclosed. The fluid sample is added to a microreaction vessel containing a slurry suspension of inert particles and a binding partner to the antigen or antibody to be determined. The fluid sample is added to the micro reaction vessel, with one of the antigen and antibody binding partners being carrier bound. The vessel contents are centrifuged, to cause the binding partners to contact each other to form an optically detectable binding complex. The location of the optically detectable complex is observed to determine the presence of the antibody.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions are disclosed for use in diagnostic kits and the like for detecting the presence of antibodies specific for Campylobacter pylori, bacteria often associated with the occurrence of Type B gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Samples of bodily fluids, for instance, may be contacted with immobilized antigen which is then washed and tested for the occurrence of significant levels of antigen/antibody complex. Levels exceeding a predetermined positive threshold are indicative of antibodies to Campylobacter pylori in the sample tested. Kits employing the antigenic compositions of the invention preferably include means for detecting the antigen/antibody complex such as materials and reagents for conducting an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot technique, liposome-based assay or other known detection tests.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel biologically active molecules which bind to and inhibit thrombin. Specifically, these molecules are characterized by a thrombin anion-binding exosite association moiety (ABEAM); a linker portion of at least 18.ANG. in length; and a thrombin catalytic site-directed moiety (CSDM). This invention also relates to compositions, combinations and methods which employ these molecules for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: This invention is a method for measuring the ability of a human to absorb cholesterol. The method uses two different cholesterol tracers, the first injected into the blood stream and the second ingested by the human subject. After a waiting period a blood sample is taken from the human subject and analyzed to determine percent cholesterol absorption based on the actual amounts of the two naturally occurring, metabolically stable cholesterol tracers in the blood. The method of this invention is useful in identifying human subjects as high cholesterol absorbers and thereafter administering therapeutic agents to the subject that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol.

Abstract: A composition comprising no-carrier-added 1-(B-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-(E)-(2-halogenovinyl)uracil wherein the halogen is radioactive iodine or bromine. This composition can be used to diagnose or treat herpes viral infections.

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: Fluorochemical emulsions comprised of a fluorochemical droplet discontinuous phase and aqueous continuous phase with at least one specific binding species immobilized on the fluorochemical droplets are shown. The emulsions may include a primer material to couple to specific binding species to the fluorochemical droplets. The emulsions may be used in diagnostic procedures or biochemical reactors where binding of the immobilized specific binding species to its binding partner is desired. The droplets may also incorporate a species which is detectable by spectrophotometric, fluorometric or colormetric means or a precursor to a detectable species.

Abstract: Agents for the diagnosis or treatment of hypoxic cells comprise a bioreductive moiety such as 2-nitroimidazole, and a metal chelating moiety which is a bis-amine oxime of which a carbon atom adjacent a nitrogen atom is linked to the bioreductive moiety. A chelated metal atom or ion preferably Technetium-99m. The agent diffuses into cells where the 2-nitroimidazole is reduced thus trapping the chelated metal in the cell.

Abstract: A method of performing an assay to determine whether a patient has been exposed to or infected by Borrelia burgdorferi is disclosed which comprises collecting serum from the patient; preparing a sample mixture comprising a portion of the patient's serum and an inoculum of viable Borrelia burgdorferi organisms; incubating the sample mixture; determining the number of viable organisms remaining in the sample mixture after incubation; and comparing the number with the quantity of viable organisms remaining in a control. An assay kit is also disclosed which is useful for determining whether a patient has been exposed to or infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. The kit contains reagents necessary to practice the assay method disclosed herein. In its broadest form, the kit comprises an inoculum of viable Borrelia burgdorferi organisms. The kit can also contain an aliquot of normal serum, an aliquot of BSK medium and/or an aliquot of complement. Other reagents, tubes and other materials can also be included in the kits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing scattering of light emerging from an optical edge of an optical waveguide. According to the invention, the optical edge is maintained in intimate contact with an index matching substance which itself also forms or intimately contacts a further optical component. The invention also relates to a disposable holder suitable for use in the method.

Abstract: A method of identifying compounds that modulate the activity of myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 is disclosed. In a test assay of the method of the invention, myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 40 kDa catalytic subunit, 85kDa phosphofructokinase isoform, ATP, a substrate and a test compound are combined and the myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 activity is determined. The level of activity observed in the test assay is compared to the level of activity generated from a control assay which is similar to the test assay but which does not include the test compound. Essentially pure myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 85kDa phosphofructokinase isoform is also disclosed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which bind (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-arabinofuranosyluracil and/or immunologically related compounds, hybrid cell lines which produce these monoclonal antibodies, and immunoassay methods for detecting (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-arabinofuranosyluracil and/or immunologically related compounds using these monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method for detecting a prokaryotic organism while in the presence of or associated with a eukaryotic organism which comprises selectively hybridizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences of the prokaryotic organism with a detectably labelled prokaryotic rRNA information-containing hybridization probe; and detecting the label on the probe.

Abstract: Assays which aid in diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are disclosed. One assay tests urine samples for the presence or absence of an RNA polymerase I antibody which specifically binds with RNA polymerase I antigen and another assay tests for the presence or absence of an RNA polymerase I antigen that specifically binds with an antibody to RNA polymerase I.

Abstract: A method for the direct analysis of analyte in keratinized structures, e.g., hair, fingernails and toenails, which comprises preparing a mixture containing a low redox potential compound such as dithiothreitol or dithioerythritol, an enzyme suitable for the degradation of the keratin structure and a sample of the keratin structure; permitting the enzyme to at least substantially degrade the sample of keratin structure, and subjecting the mixture to analysis to determine the identity and amount of analyte in the keratin substance sample. To accelerate the method, cupric sulfate or sodium arsenite may be added to the mixture after degradation of the keratin sample. The enzyme may be a peptidase, endopeptidase or proteinase, with papain, chymopapain, and proteinase K being preferred for use in the invention.

Abstract: A method for detecting a glycoprotein using a solid support is disclosed where the glycoprotein is oxidized by periodate, polyacrylic polyhydrazide which is a copolymer having repeating units possessing a hydrazide group and repeating units possessing hydroxyl groups is coupled to the oxidized glycoprotein and a glycoenzyme or radioactive compound containing aldehyde groups or activated ketone groups is coupled to the polyacrylic polyhydrazide which allows for detection of the glycoprotein. The glycoprotein may be directly attached to the solid support or may be bound to an antigen which is immobilized on the solid support.

Abstract: The LTD.sub.4 receptor has been defined by radioligand binding studies as a member of the family of G-protein coupled receptors. A photoactivable azido derivative of LTD.sub.4 ([.sup.125 I]Azido-LTD.sub.4) has been synthesized for use as a photoaffinity probe. Photoactivation of ([.sup.125 I]Azido-LTD.sub.4 under equilibrium binding conditions revealed the selective radiolabeling of a 45 kDa protein in guinea-pig lung membranes, as visualized by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of free ligand in a test ample where the ligand is also present bound to one or more endogenous receptors, comprising combining the test sample, ligand receptor and unlabelled, differential binding ligand analogue, incubating to permit the free ligand and unlabelled, differential binding ligand analogue to compete for the ligand receptor separating the ligand analogue, determining the amount of ligand receptor bound to the ligand or to the ligand analogue, and correlating the amount of bound ligand receptor to the amount of free ligand present in the test sample.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin and for improved radiohalogenation of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described.

Abstract: A method of assay for isotopically exchangeable analytes is disclosed. Analytes are labeled by enzymatic exchange of a hydrogen atom of the analyte and a deuterium or tritium atom. Preferably, analytes are labeled by reaction with an oxidant, a reducing agent which contains a deuterium or tritium atom, and an enzyme capable of catalyzing the reversible exchange of a hydrogen atom between the analyte, the oxidant, and the reducing agent. Kits for conveniently performing the assay methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for filtration assaying a particulate sample labelled with low-energy radioactive isotopes measurable by scintillation counting. The method aspect of the invention includes the step of providing a sample comprising sample particles labelled with low-energy radioactive isotopes in a liquid medium. Scintillant particles are added to the liquid medium. The sample is then filtered with a filter medium adapted to retain the sample particles and the particles of scintillant, such that after filtration the sample particles are each surrounded by scintillant. A photodetector is then used to detect light emitted by the scintillant on the filter medium.

Abstract: A radioimmunoassay for pyridostigmine in biological fluids. The method disclosed can detect 250 pg of pyridostigmine per ml of biological fluid using 0.1 ml of biological fluid. The antibody used in this method is raised from an antigen produced by diazotizing para-aminobenzoic acid and reacting the diazotized material with pyridostigmine to form a pyridostigmine-hapten solution, which is then reacted with bovine serum albumen. The antibody used in the disclosed method has a cross-reactivity with the major metabolites of pyridostigmine of less than 2%.

Abstract: Specific binding methods are used for diagnostic assays and purification separations whereby the specific binding capture reagent is prepared from copolymers having highly reactive carboxy groups. These groups are extended from the polymer surface with a linking group having from 8 to 50 atoms in the chain and two or more alkylene, arylene, alkylenearylene or arylenealkylene groups. To these reactive groups is attached a biologically active substance such as a protein or oligonucleotide which then participates in the diagnostic assays or purification separation methods.

Abstract: A radioimmunoassay for physostigmine in biological fluids. The method disclosed can detect 100 pg of physostigmine per ml of biological fluid using 0.1 ml of biological fluid. The antibody used in this method can be raised from an antigen produced by either or two methods--diazotizing para-aminobenzoic acid and reacting the diazotized material with physostigmine to form a physostigmine-hapten solution, which is then reacted with bovine serum albumin or by using a Mannich reaction to directly conjugate physostigmine to bovine serum albumin. The antibody used in the disclosed method has a cross-reactivity with the major metabolites of physostigmine of less than 1%.

Abstract: A set of three unique monoclonal antibodies have been produced which recognize Legionella with particular specificity, without substantial cross-reactivity with non-Legionella bacteria. These monoclonal antibodies are useful as immunodiagnostic reagents for detecting Legionella.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is a method for determining two or more radioactively labeled ligands simultaneously in the same sample. According to the invention the ligands are determined with proximity assay so that for determining said ligands support materials with different scintillation characteristics are employed, each said support material having attached onto it molecules specifically binding one of said ligands. The support material consists totally or partially of scintillator.

Abstract: A method for removing unbound labeling reagent from a composition comprising bound and unbound labeling reagent is described. Lilo-matrix conjugate capable of binding unbound labeling reagent is contacted with a biomolecule labeling reaction mixture and then the labeled biomolecule essentially free of unbound labeling reagent is removed.

Abstract: Vitamin D derivatives corresponding to the following formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes a substituted alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, in particular the side chains of vitamin D.sub.2 (C.sup.20 to C.sup.28) or D.sub.3 (C.sup.20 to C.sup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the screening of pathological condition in the intestinal tract of an animal or a human being, e.g., intestinal ischemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disease and bowel graft rejection. The method assays elevated levels of lipid binding protein, more particularly intestinal fatty acid binding protein, in a biological sample obtained from the animal or human being. Serum or urine are preferred biological samples. Preferred methods employ an immunological assay such as a radioimmunoassay or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of intestinal fatty acid binding proteins in the sample.

Abstract: The new invention relates, by way of novel industrial products, to compounds selected from(i) the symmetrical amino acids and peptides of the formulaR--A--B--CO--Q--CO--B--A--R (I)in whichQ is a polyalkylene glycol residue selected from the polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol residues of the formula--O[CH(X)CH.sub.2 O]--in which X is H or Me and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1,B is a single bond, a monoamino acid residue or a peptide chain comprising from 2 to 9 monoamino acid residues,A is a basic monoamino acid residue selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-amino acid residues containing a basic group on a side-chain, andR is a labeling means making it possible to develop the enzyme substance to be identified or assayed; and(ii) their addition salts.These novel compounds are useful as substrates for the assay of enzymes, especially proteases and peptidases.

Abstract: A biochemical system in the determination of pesticides which is able to detect and measure the presence of parts per billion levels of different pesticides particularly in foodstuffs. The method employs insect tissues that contain specific binders or enzymes sensitive to various groups of pesticides. The sample or sample extract containing pesticides, radiolabeled pesticides and/or radiolabeled pesticide analogs and/or radiolabeled substrates is exposed to insect tissues containing receptors or enzymes. The pesticide competes with the radioactive tracers for the binders or the enzymes in the insect tissues. Residual enzyme activity or bound pesticides are measured. The extent of binding or enzyme activity may be inversely proportional, under standardized conditions, to the amount of pesticide in the sample.

Abstract: Methods for identifying individuals at increased risk of diabetes are disclosed. The methods disclosed utilize the discovery of the DQw3.2 variant, which identifies a specific allelic polymorphism at a sinle gene locus. One preferred method utilizes a labeled probe to detect the DQw3.2 allele. This method involves estimating the size of the hybridizable DNA fragment generated by a specific restriction endonuclease and therefrom determining the presence of the allele. A second preferred method involves the serologic detection of the DQw3.2 allele. Within this method, immunocomplexes formed between two different MAb's and separate portions of a cell collection are detected and the presence or absence of the allele determined.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting the presence of durg metabolites in the meconium of newborn infants is described. The method involves a single step extraction of the drug metabolites from meconium using a buffered aqueous solution containing methanol in an amount between about 10 and 30% by volume and buffered to a pH between 6 and 7 and then assaying the extract individually for the presence of the drug metabolites. The method is particularly useful for detection of cocaine, morphine, cannabinoid and amphetamine metabolites; however, any drug metabolite in the infant meconium can be tested if it is extracted by the solution from the meconium. Various assay methods are used for the drug metabolites in the solutions derived from the meconium, including immunoassays, fluorescent assays and mass spectroscopy. The method provides for early detection of drug presence in newborn infants which contribute to infant illness.

Abstract: Substantially pure modified .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin (m.beta..sub.2 m) of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is 24-amino acid residue, with the sequence Ile-Gln-Arg-Thr-Pro-Lys-Ile-Gln-Val-Tyr-Ser-Arg-His-Pro-Ala-Glu-Asn-Gly-Ly s-Ser-Asn-Phe-Leu-Asn, R.sub.2 is a 30-amino acid residue with the sequence Tyr-Val-Ser-Gly-Phe-His-Pro-Ser-Asp-Ile-Glu-Val-Asp-Leu-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gl u-Arg-Ile-Gly-Lys-Val-Glu-His-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser, R.sub.3 is a 20-amino acid residue with the sequence Trp-Ser-Phe-Tyr-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Tyr-Glu-Phe-Thr-Pro-Thr-Glu-Lys-Asp-Glu-Tyr-Al a, R.sub.4 is a 19-amino acid residue with the sequence Arg-Val-Asn-His-Val-Thr-Leu-Ser-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ile-Val-Lys-Trp-Asp-Arg-Asp-Me t, X is Phe, Phe-Ser, or Phe-Ser-Lys, and Y is Asp, Lys-Asp, or Ser-Lys-Asp is disclosed. The presence of the protein in body fluids is a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker for the development of a variety of disorders such as different types of cancer and diseases involving the immune system. Also disclosed are specific anti-m.

Abstract: A method is known for the determination of osteocalcin in human serum or plasma, in which a sample of the biological fluid containing the osteocalcin to be determined is incubated, together with a defined amount of an oligopeptide tracer, with a suitable anitbody which binds both the osteocalcin and the tracer. This method has proved to be susceptible to error in that the incubation conditions affected the measured levels, and the osteocalcin levels obtained were often too high. The recognition that the observed errors are attributable to a proteolytic breakdown of the oligopeptide tracer by constituents of the serum or plasma resulted in the technical teaching of the addition of one or more proteolysis inhibitors to the sample of human serum or plasma before or together with the addition of the oligopeptide tracer, specifically either a mixture of an endopeptidase inhibitor with an aminopeptidase inhibitor or, when an N-terminally protected oligopeptide tracer is used, only an endopeptidase inhibitor.

Abstract: Complementary DNA probe method for diagnosing bacterial or fungal diseases which produce leaf lesions in plants.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of detecting sensitivity to alpha-interferon therapy which comprises contacting a sample with a monoclonal antibody under conditions so as to form an antibody-antigen complex, detecting the complex so formed, and thereby detecting sensitivity to alpha-interferon.

Abstract: A method for radiolabeling a protein with a radioisotope of technetium of rhenium comprises the steps of contacting a solution of a protein containing a plurality of adjacent free sulfhydryl groups, or in particular cases, intact protein containing at least one disulfide group, with stannous ions, and then with radiopertechnetate or radioperrhenate, the amount of stannous ion being sufficient to substantially completely reduce the radiopertechnetate or radioperrhenate, and recovering radiolabeled protein.

Abstract: A screening assay for recognizing the presence of dioxins (and other related toxins) in a sample is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, Ah receptor from mice and a radioactively labelled halogenated dioxin are used in a competitive binding assay to test for the presence of toxins. The label is .sup.125 I substituted directly on the main dioxin structure. The relative binding of the toxin in the samples (in competition with labelled dioxin) for Ah receptor can be compared against standard curves. A kit is provided for running such an assay and a preferred .sup.125 I ligand is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays of a monokine in a biological fluid, in particular in a blood sample, in particular of TNF or of IL-1. According to the present invention, the monokine in the serum or plasma obtained from whole blood stimulated with a mitogenic agent is assayed prior to any separation between the plasma (or serum) and the blood cells. According to another subject of the invention, the monokine is assayed in the case of an immunometric assay employing an oligoclonal system, consisting of several different monoclonal antibodies adsorbed on a solid phase and a non-adsorbed labeled antibody.The invention also relates to immunoassay kits.

Abstract: An immunoassay for trichothecenes that have at least three hydroxyl groups at specified positions is disclosed. It relies on developing antibodies to close trichothecene variants that are missing at least one of the hydroxyl groups, and then using these antibodies to test specimens in which the trichothecene has been converted to the variant (usually to the OAC variant). For example, DON and T-2 tetraol can be assayed for using this invention.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting a predetermined nucleotide sequence in a specimen using a nucleic acid probe modified with N-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF).

Abstract: The histamine in a sample is determined by contacting the sample with a histamine binding agent, such as glass, which has been treated, e.g., with a polar organic polymer, to reduce the affinity of the agent for an interfering component of the sample while substantially retaining the agent's histamine-binding capacity. Such an agent facilitates determination of histamine in whole blood samples. Preferably, the agent is provided as a conglomerate of histamine-binding bodies, such as glass fibers, in a binder. Preferred binders are polyvinyl acetate, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel in vitro process for identifying and quantifying native antigens on potentially pathogenic group B streptococci bacteria present in a clinical specimen. The invention process is made possible by the discovery of novel bacterial markers denoted .gamma. and .delta. epitopes which are expressed by a variety of group B streptococcal strains.

Abstract: Anti-hepatitis B virus surface protein (anti-HBS) antibody is adsorbed onto the surface of a substratum. Hepatitis B virus PreS2+S (PreS2+S) protein is then adsorbed onto the same surface through the interaction of the anti-HBS antibody with the "S" portion of the PreS2+S protein. The coated surface is then incubated concomitantly with the test sample and a radiolabelled antibody specific for the "PreS2" portion of the PreS2+S protein.

Abstract: A method of characterizing an unknown organism species which comprises, determining the position of part or whole of evolutionarily conserved DNA sequences in DNA of the organism, relative to the position of restriction endonuclease cleavage sites in the DNA, thereby to obtain an identifying genetic characterization of the unknown organism, and comparing the characterization with information from at least two sets of identifying genetic characterizations derived from the same conserved sequences, each of the sets defining a known organism species.