Abstract: A test kit and method for the highly sensitive detection of specific analytes in a sample is provided. The presence of the analyte in the sample results in a decrease in the concentration of a growth inhibiting substance leading to proliferation of cells in the region of the analyte. The presence or absence of the analyte is determined by detecting the presence of increased numbers of cells. Assay sensitivity is accounted for by the exponential amplification of cell number that occurs during cell proliferation in the presence of analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic methods and compositions for detection of malignancy or nervous system disorders based on the level of Notch proteins or nucleic acids. Therapeutic methods and methods of inhibiting Notch expression are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies are disclosed. Detection of the proliferation of T cells in response to in vitro exposure to a protein expression product of an activated oncogene or cancer-related gene associated with a malignancy, or detection of immunocomplexes formed between the protein expression product and antibodies in body fluid, allows the diagnosis of the presence of a malignancy. The present invention also discloses methods and compositions for treating a malignancy.

Abstract: Methods of differentiation of sera containing antibodies to HTLV-I from sera containing antibodies to HTLV-II are provided, along with peptides for their differentiation. Articles of manufacture containing these peptides are provided which allow for the differentiation of HTLV-I from HTLV-II infected sera.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diagnostic assay for determining the presence of a neoplasia or a tumor burden in a mammal comprising (a) measuring the amount of unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) linolenate and arachidonate in a body fluid, and (b) determining a ratio value comprising the sum of linolenate and the sum of arachidonate.

Abstract: A method for interfering with the binding between p53 and MDM2 or a protein having a p53 binding site analogous to that of MDM2, which method comprises administering a effective amount of a compound, selected from the group consisting of a peptide having up to twenty eight amino acids which is able to disrupt or prevent binding between p53 and MDM2, or a functional peptide analogue thereof.Compounds for use in the method, methods for detecting such compounds and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours is also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing the sensitivity of a cell to a DNA damaging agent comprising increasing the amount of an NM23 in the cell. The method is especially useful for increasing the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating liver cancer in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an inhibitory effective amount of at least one GnRH-related compound. Pharmaceutical preparations useful for the treatment of liver cancer comprising an inhibitory effective amount of at least one GnRH-related compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A further aspect of the invention provides a method for diagnosing liver cancer by determining the presence of receptors for GnRH on a biological sample.

Abstract: The isolation, cloning and characterization of a human gene related to but distinct from EGF receptor gene has been described. Nucleotide sequence of the gene and amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the gene have been determined. The use of the nucleic acid probes and antibodies having specific binding affinity with said polypeptide for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes have also been described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of complexes of HLA-A2 and tyrosinase derived peptides on the surfaces of abnormal cells. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this observation are the subject of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable control serum or plasma for tumor diagnosis, wherein the control contains the tumor markers relevant for the diagnosis of tumors. The serum or plasma has a reduced lipid content. The present invention also provides for a method of making the control.

Abstract: A system for evaluating one or more biochemical markers for evaluating individual cancer risk, cancer diagnosis and for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and cancer recurrence, particularly of bladder cancer. The system uses automated quantitative fluorescence image analysis of a cell sample collected from a body organ. Cells are treated with a fixative solution which inhibits crystal formation. Cell images are selected and stored as grey level images for further analysis. Cell images may be corrected for autofluorescence using a novel autofluorescence correction method. A neural net computer may be used to distinguish true-positive images from false-positive images to improve accuracy of cancer risk assessment. Cells having images positive for a marker amy be compared to threshold quantities related to predetermined cancer risk.

Abstract: A purified glycoprotein complex of over 1200 kD apparent native molecular weight having a sedimentation value of approximately 25S and having the ability to selectively bind human Mac-2 or interfere with PHA activation of lymphocytes, DNA sequences that encode the protein, and expression systems for expressing it, thus providing for reagents that are useful for treating or diagnosing diseases, including cancer, infectious disease, and diseases of the immune system, and for monitoring the concentration of the glycoprotein in human milk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunological receptors and ligands, and more particularly to monoclonal receptors raised to peptides whose amino acid residue sequences correspond to sequences of retroviral ligands. The receptors are used to assay body samples from a host to indicate exposure of the host to a carcinogen.

Abstract: In vitro methods of determining whether or not an individual has metastasized colorectal cancer cells are disclosed. In vitro methods of determining whether or not tumor cells are colorectal in origin are disclosed. In vitro kits for practicing the methods of the invention and to reagents and compositions useful to practice the methods, for example as components in such in vitro kits of the invention are provided. Methods of and kits and compositions for analyzing tissue samples from the colon tissue to evaluate the extent of metastasis of colorectal tumor cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Cancerous cells and HIV- and influenza virus-infected cells secrete .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase into blood stream, resulting in deglycosylation of Gc protein. This inactivates the MAF precursor activity of Gc protein, leading to immunosuppression. Thus, .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in patient bloodstream can serve as diagnostic and prognostic index. Antibody-sandwich ELISA method and kits for cancer, HIV and influenza specific .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase as an antigen were developed to detect serum or plasma .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase in cancer and AIDS/HIV-infected and influenza patients and used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

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: A tumor-mimetic cell surface antigen (TMCSA) is produced by chemical treatment of normal human cells with a nucleophilic reagent which causes a hydrophobic-hydrophilic interconversion at the cell surface, such as a halobenzene derivative or a benzene sulfonate derivative. This TMCSA cross-reacts with tumor antigens from every type of tumor examined of any histopathologic type. Cancer is detected by detecting the presence of lymphocytes sensitized to tumor antigens based on their reactivity with TMCSA in a binding assay or lymphocyte stimulation or migration inhibition assay.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods to assess connective tissue, especially bone, metabolism in disease or to monitor therapy, which method comprises assessing the levels of native free collagen-derived crosslinks in biological fluids, especially urine. The method can be enhanced by concomitantly determining the levels of an indicator of bone formation in biological fluids of the same individual and assessing the differences between the degradation marker and the formation indicator. Antibodies which are specifically immunoreactive with forms of crosslinks which occur free in biological fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods to assess connective tissue, especially bone, metabolism in disease or to monitor therapy, which method comprises assessing the levels of native free collagen-derived crosslinks in biological fluids, especially urine. The method can be enhanced by concomitantly determining the levels of an indicator of bone formation in biological fluids of the same individual and assessing the differences between the degradation marker and the formation indicator. Antibodies which are specifically immunoreactive with forms of crosslinks which occur free in biological fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting malignancy in a body cavity effusion, Also disclosed is a method of distinguishing a benign hyperplastic lymph node from a lymph node involved by a low grade follicular lymphoma, Also disclosed is a method of distinguishing a benign tumor from a malignant tumor which overexpresses GLUT-1.

Abstract: A method of easily detecting the occurrence of colorectal cancer in the absence of occult blood is provided by measuring decay accelerating factor (DAF) molecules which are synthesized by colorectal cancer cells and present in feces. The method includes reacting an anti-DAF antibody with a supernatant of a fecal solution and measuring an amount of the antibody which has bonded to DAF molecules by an antigen-antibody reaction with the DAF molecules in the supernatant.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that modulate bcl-2 mediated cell death are disclosed. The methods comprise contacting a cell or cell extract with a test compound and detecting the level of bcl-2 phosphorylation compared to the level of bcl-2 phosphorylation in a similar cell or cell extract not contacted with the test compound. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease characterized by inhibition of apoptosis are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to such an individual an bcl-2 phosphorylation compound that inhibits dephosphorylation of bcl-2 and/or facilitates phosphorylation of bcl-2. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a diseases characterized by apoptosis are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to such an individual a bcl-2 dephosphorylation compound that inhibits phosphorylation of bcl-2 and/or facilitates dephosphorylation of bcl-2.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in female breast tumor extract as a prognostic or predictive indicator for breast carcinoma. The presence of prostate-specific antigen in breast tumors is associated with earlier disease stage, younger women and better survival. PSA is associated with tumors which have estrogen and/or progesteron receptors.

Abstract: A method for estimating the biologic potential of prostate carcinoma in a patient is disclosed, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a limited random biopsy sample of prostate carcinoma from a patient, and (b) quantifying the vascularity of the biopsy, and therefrom estimating the metastatic potential of the prostate carcinoma. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the biologic potential of a selected carcinoma in a patient, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a limited random biopsy specimen from a carcinoma by a method selected from the group consisting of needle biopsy, endoscopy, laproscopy, and cystoscopy, and (b) quantifying the vascularity of the biopsy specimen, and therefrom estimating biologic potential of the selected carcinoma.

Abstract: There are provided a method and an apparatus for measuring an immunologically active material by physically or chemically immobilizing material immunologically active to a material to be measured of a specimen to the dehydrated solid fine particles, providing a desirable dispersion comprising said immunologically active material immobilized to said solid fine particles and said specimen in a liquid medium, reacting them to cause a reaction mixture in an agglutinated state and optically measuring said agglutinated state of the reaction mixture to thereby quantitatively determine the content of said material to be measured with an improved accuracy.

Abstract: Methods and a diagnostic aid for distinguishing a subset of HPV that is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. The method comprises either distinguishing leucine or valine at amino acid position 83 in the HPV-16 E6 open reading frame, or detecting a nucleotide of T or G at nt 350 in the HPV-16 E6 gene.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns an assay for detecting and/or quantifying a mammalian IgA antibody response to EBV-MA with an immobilized EBV-MA gp 350/220 lacking the transmembrane anchor domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing cancers arising from cells which express tyrosine phosphorylated CRKL protein, such as cells having the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, which includes chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), through the detection of increased levels of phosphorylated CRKL protein or through the detection of increased CRKL gene copy or mRNA expression. The invention also relates to methods of treating such cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new analytical method that an antigen, an antibody or a nucleic acid can be assayed at a high sensitivity in the immunoassay.The present invention provides a method for assaying a substance which comprises the steps of (a) reacting an antigen, an antibody or a nucleic acid which is the substance to be measured with an antibody, an antigen or a nucleic acid to which a polyacridinium compound is bound and which can be bound to the substance to be measured, (b) carrying out a luminescence treatment, and (c) measuring the luminescent intensity of the reaction solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic techniques for the detection of human prostate cancer. Genetic probes and methods useful in monitoring the progression and diagnosis of prostate cancer are described. The invention relates particularly to hybridization methods for evaluating the prevalence of gene amplification in a limited regions of human chromosome 8q24.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing prostate cancer in a mammal is described. Serum from a mammal is provided. PSA is added to this serum, and the amount of ACT-PSA complex formed is measured. It is determined if the mammal has prostate cancer based on the amount of ACT-PSA complex that is formed. An isolated prostate cancer specific form of ACT which is capable of forming a stable complex with PSA is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the finding that the class of mutant p53 proteins which bind to HSP70 defines a group of mutant p53 proteins which elicit serum autoantibodies. Thus, disclosed is a method of classifying tumor cells for the ability to produce serum p53 autoantibodies in a patient carrying such tumor cells, a method of detecting tumor cells containing a mutant p53 protein capable of forming a complex with a 70 kilodalton heat shock protein (hsp70) in the cells in a patient, a method of distinguishing tumor cells capable of causing more aggressive disease in a patient carrying the tumor cells, and a method of monitoring a patient for the recurrence of disease in a patient previously diagnosed as carrying tumor cells.

Abstract: A new human gene termed DCC is disclosed. Methods and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the DCC gene in human tissues and body samples. Insertion, deletion, and point mutations in DCC are observed in human tumor cells. Normal tissues express DCC while most colorectal cancers do not. Loss of wild-type DCC genes is associated with neoplastic progression and a diminished life expectancy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determining, in a subject having active breast gross cystic disease, the risk of future breast cancer development. The level of glycoprotein GCDFP-15 in the plasma is measured at the time of cyst aspiration in order to provide an indication as to the likelihood of future breast cancer development.

Abstract: Various methods for precisely inspecting presence or absence of an antigen-antibody reaction or a type of the antigen-antibody reaction are provided. A method comprises a first step of mixing an object to be inspected with a photosensitive material, a second step of mixing a mixture obtained in the first step with an antibody, and a third step of detecting a photon echo from a specimen obtained in the second step to examine presence or absence, or a type of an antigen-antibody reaction. A further method comprises a first step of mixing an object to be inspected with an antibody, a second step of mixing a secondary antibody for the antibody with a photosensitive material, a third step of mixing a mixture obtained in the first step with a mixture obtained in the second step, and a fourth step of detecting a photon echo from a specimen obtained in the third step to examine presence or absence, or a type of an antigen-antibody reaction.

Abstract: A method for treating serum samples to remove sialic acid from ligands to expose binding sites to enhance immunological binding, for use in assays and to generate novel anti-ligands is described. The method includes treatment of serum using neuraminidase.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of imaging a colorectal carcinoma lesion in a human patient which comprises administering to the patient a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to a cell surface antigen associated with the colorectal carcinoma lesion and which is labeled with an imaging agent under conditions so as to form a complex between the monoclonal antibody and the cell surface antigen, imaging any complex so formed, and thereby imaging the colorectal carcinoma lesion.This invention also provides a monoclonal antibody designated AS 33 (ATCC Accession No. HB 8779) and the hybridoma which produces it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic methods and compositions based on transducin-like Enhancer of split ("TLE") proteins and nucleic acids. The invention provides for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders of cell fate or differentiation by determining the level of transducin-like Enhancer of Split (TLE) proteins.

Abstract: A tumor-mimetic cell surface antigen (TMCSA) is produced by chemical treatment of normal human cells with fluordinitrobenzene. This TMCSA cross-reacts with tumor antigens from every type of tumor examined of any histopathologic type. Cancer is detected by detecting the presence of lymphocytes sensitized to tumor antigens based on their reactivity with TMCSA in a binding assay or lymphocyte stimulation assay.

Abstract: Method for detection of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) for diagnostic purposes, particularly for diagnosing carcinoma, or pre-stages thereof, or the risk of development of carcinoma. The detection is effected on a body fluid, particularly on a secretion from cervix uteri, by ascertaining the presence of IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies against papillomavirus virions, including individual virion proteins or peptides thereof, in the body fluid.

Abstract: The intracellular distribution of mortalin is used to determine the complementation group of tumor cells. Also disclosed are the gene sequences that encode mortalin and the amino acid sequence of the mortalin proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified protein, p114-MBP, which has an apparent molecular mass of about 114 kDa and specifically associates with a matrix attachment region DNA sequence context (MAR). p114-MBP is characterized, in part, by having substantial MAR binding activity in malignant tumor tissue but not in a corresponding non-cancerous tissue. The invention also provides a method of detecting the presence of malignant tumor tissue in a cell sample suspected of containing malignant tumor tissue by contacting the sample with a MAR, under conditions that allow the specific association of the MAR with p114-MBP, and detecting such specific association, which indicates the presence of malignant tumor tissue in the cell sample.

Abstract: Antibodies against N-glycan structures of cell membrane surfaces and showing in an ELISA test a positive reaction against antigenic oligosaccharides, said antibodies comprising chitobiose-mannose-trisaccharides.

Abstract: A novel approach to study changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during apoptosis, and thereby identify cells committed to apoptosis is presented, methods used to study apoptosis and tyrosine phosphorylation at the single cell level are combined to study directly whether apoptosis in hematopoietic cells is associated with changes in cellular phosphotyrosine levels. The changes in cellular phosphotyrosine content strongly correlated with the appearance of features of cell death such as cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane integrity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the detection of gastric epithelial damage and a method which is performed by administering a disaccharide to a patient, assaying the patient's blood or urine for the presence of the disaccharide and correlating the determined disaccharide assay value to gastric epithelial damage.

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: CD44 is a family of glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In addition to the major 90 kD form present on most hematopoietic cells, larger forms are found on keratinocytes and carcinoma cell lines. These bigger isoforms of CD44 arise by alternative splicing that results in insertion of one or more of the "variant" exons into the extracellular part of the 90 kD constant form of the molecule. Antibodies were raised against a synthetic peptide containing a sequence encoded by the human exon 6A mAb thus obtained (designated Var3.1) strongly reacted with the plasma membranes of squamous cells in upper layers of skin and tonsil surface epithelia. Weaker staining was seen in germinal centers, vascular endothelia and enterocytes. CD44v6 was absent from tissue leukocytes and connective tissue components.

Abstract: A method for estimating the biologic potential of prostate carcinoma in a patient is disclosed, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a tissue sample of prostate carcinoma from a patient, and (b) quantifying the vascularity of the tissue sample, and therefrom estimating the metastatic potential of the prostate carcinoma. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the biologic potential of a selected carcinoma in a patient, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a biopsy specimen from a carcinoma by needle biopsy, and (b) quantifying the vascularity of the biopsy specimen, and therefrom estimating biologic potential of the selected carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioaffinity assay of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) comprising the measurement of either the concentration of total PSA (PSA-T), the concentration of free form of PSA (PSA-F) or the concentration of PSA complexed to alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (PSA-ACT), PSA-T being the sum of PSA-F and PSA-ACT. According to the invention, additionally the concentration of human glandular kallikrein (hGK-1) is measured. The concentrations of PSA-T and hGK-1 can be measured in one single assay or in separate assays. The sum of the concentrations of PSA-T and hGK-1 is used to determine the ratio a) PSA-F/(PSA-T+hGK-1) and/or b) PSA-ACT/(PSA-T+hGK-1). Both of these ratios are shown to have clinical utility for the discrimination of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.