Abstract: The invention relates to novel dipyrano-quinolinone class of compounds having the general formula: Wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl optionally substituted about C-1 to C-10 alkenyl optionally substituted about C-1 to C-10 with one or more double bounds, alkynyl optionally substituted about C-1 to C-10 with one or more triple bonds, aryl, hetero aryl, carbocyclic aryl, alkyl aryl, alcyclic compounds, C-1 to C-6 alkyl with terminal dialkyl amino group, thio alkyl, hydroxyl alkyl groups; R1 is H, lower dialkyl amino alkyls such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and other alkyl groups or b-amino acid moieties, hydroxy alkyl groups having optionally substituted about C-1 to C-10 carbons, acid amides such as aliphatic acids, aromatic acids, sulphonic acids trihalo acids.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is disclosed. A method of inactivating interfering cross-reactive material in an assay for measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is also disclosed. Compositions wherein cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier or a label, optionally through a linking group, at an alanine nitrogen atom of the cyclic backbone of cyclosporin are also disclosed. Compositions wherein atiocyclosporin is conjugated, optionally through a linking group, to an immunogenic carrier or a label are also disclosed. Where cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be used as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies which are capable of recognizing cyclosporin.

Abstract: A method and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of an analyte through the use of a plurality of labeled probes, with two or more said probes targeted to different regions of said analyte. In specific embodiments, the labels are separately distinguishable, and/or are present at different specific activities on the labels.

Abstract: A dry phase reagent test strip for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid includes a colored indicator whose hue indicates a calibration of the strip. Preferably, the test strip measures the concentration of glucose in whole blood.

Abstract: Solid phase immunoassay for detecting specific inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes in biological fluids, which comprises: a) contacting a tubulin peptide covalently linked to a support with a solution containing a proteolytic activity together with a protease inhibitor, b) detecting the inhibitor activity against the selected proteases by contacting the support with a solution containing a labelled monoclonal antibody which specifically recognises the free end of the tubulin peptide linked to the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that are bis-biotins. These compounds comprise two biotinyl radicals connected by a chain of atoms, usually at least 16 atoms in length. The bis-biotin is conjugated to a member of a specific binding pair ("sbp member") wherein the chain is not part of the sbp member. Also disclosed are compositions comprising a complex of avidin and a bis-biotin as described above. The compounds and compositions of the invention find use in an assay for an analyte wherein there is employed a reagent system comprising an avidin reagent and a biotin reagent. The improvement of the present invention comprises using as the biotin reagent a bis-biotin as described above. Also disclosed are kits comprising the present bis-biotins and methods of preparing a bis-biotinylated conjugate of a member of a specific binding pair ("sbp member") for use in a specific binding assay.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or concentration of a water treatment polymer in an aqueous sample, comprising producing a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody to the water treatment polymer, and using the antibody so produced as a reagent in an immunoassay, conducted on the aqueous sample.

Abstract: Novel chemical analogs of the methadone metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) are disclosed. The derivatives can be used for formation of EDDP-protein conjugates. The conjugates can be used in turn to raise antibodies reactive with EDDP and having a low cross-reactivity with methadone. The antibodies and EDDP-enzyme polypeptide conjugates provide the basis for specific immunoassays used in monitoring compliance with methadone treatment.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a method of monitoring bone metabolism comprising continuously collecting a sweat sample from a subject and assaying the sweat sample to determine the concentration of a marker of bone metabolism in the sample, wherein said marker is not pyridinoline or deoxypyridinoline.

Abstract: A method of detecting dioxin-like compounds consisting essentially of the group of compounds: polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and structural analogues thereof which exhibit biological activity characteristic of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls. The assay includes: 1) an inactive Ah receptor in a form capable of binding to the dioxin-like compounds and being transformed to an active form that forms a complex with ARNT and binds a dioxin responsive element, and 2) a quantity of ARNT sufficient to optimize Ah receptor transformation. A test sample is contacted with the assay under conditions effective to bind the dioxin-like compounds to the Ah receptor and allow transformation of the Ah receptor to an active form that forms a complex with ARNT. The presence of the complex containing the transformed Ah receptor and the ARNT is detected.

Abstract: A method of assaying collagen fragments in body fluids, including bringing a sample of body fluid in contact with at least one immunological binding partner for the collagen fragments, said binding partner being immunoreactive with synthetic peptides, the sequences of which are essentially derived from collagen and containing potential sites for cross-linking. The immunological binding partners are incorporated, either as whole antibodies or as immunologically active fragments thereof, in an assay for quantitative determination of collagen fragments in the sample. In addition to being contacted with the immunological binding partner(s), the sample may be brought into direct contact with the corresponding synthetic peptide. The invention further comprises a test kit and specific means for carrying out the method. The structure of specific peptides is also described.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for a method of inhibiting prenyl-protein transferases and treating cancer which comprises administering to a mammal a prenyl-protein transferase inhibitor which is efficacious in vivo as an inhibitor of geranylgeranyl-protein transferase type I (GGTase-I). The invention also provides for a method of inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and geranylgeranyl-protein transferase type I by administering a compound that is a dual inhibitor of both of those prenyl-protein transferases. The invention also provides for a method of identifying such a compound, the method comprising a modified inhibitory assay that incorporates a modulator anion that alters the in vitro potency of prenyl-protein transferase inhibitors in a way that predicts their potency in vivo, thus providing convenient identification of compounds that possess such in vivo activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for measuring non-contractile oxidative metabolism in smooth muscle cells comprising providing a medium suitable for the support of oxidative metabolism, incubating a cell or tissue sample with a specimen from a patient, measuring a marker of oxidative metabolism in the incubate, and detecting an increase in oxidative metabolism which is not attributable to a contractile demand for ATP. Such an increase in oxidative metabolism will be indicative of the existence of an agent or combination of agents able to cause an increase in oxidative metabolism in smooth muscle cells, and thus provides means for diagnosing and monitoring various pathologies associated therewith.

Abstract: In a fluorescence polarization assay for determining the amount of a target analyte in a test sample, wherein the amount of analyte is related to the amount of fluorescence emitted from the analyte-containing reagent medium, the improvement comprising contacting the analyte-containing reagent medium with of at least one compound from the group consisting of 1,10-phenanthroline, 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinoline, naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid, salts thereof, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for substantially reducing adsorption of at least one positively charged molecule to a negatively charged surface upon contact therebetween, the method comprising combining the positively charged molecule with at least one blocking agent in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the adsorption of the positively charged molecule to the negatively charged surface.

Abstract: A rapid and simple method for making a hydrophobically associated, Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) dye/protein complex comprising CBB and a protein, and a method for detecting analytes using the CBB dye/protein complex are disclosed. The method for making the CBB dye/protein complex is comprised of mixing a protein with a non-alcoholic aqueous CBB solution having a pH greater than 4, heating the mixture to a first temperature for a short pulse period, then cooling to a second temperature to form a solution containing the CBB dye/protein complex. In the method for detecting analytes that bind a CBB dye/protein complex, the analyte sample is added to the solution containing a CBB dye/protein complex to form a supernatant and a precipitate containing an analyte-bound fraction. The precipitate is dissolved in an assay solvent, and a spectral absorption of both the precipitate and supernatant is measured.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is disclosed. A method of inactivating interfering cross-reactive material in an assay for measuring the amount of cyclosporin in a sample suspected of containing cyclosporin is also disclosed. Compositions wherein cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier or a label, optionally through a linking group, at an alanine nitrogen atom of the cyclic backbone of cyclosporin are also disclosed. Compositions wherein atiocyclosporin is conjugated, optionally through a linking group, to an immunogenic carrier or a label are also disclosed. Where cyclosporin is conjugated to an immunogenic carrier, the conjugates may be used as immunogens for the preparation of antibodies which are capable of recognizing cyclosporin.

Abstract: An in vivo method and apparatus for detecting an analyte in an individual. A sensor that includes a fluorescence reagent is placed in communication with the body fluids of the individual suspected of containing the analyte in such a way that once in place said sensor does not exit the skin of the individual. The sensor is configured to retain the fluorescence reagent while allowing analyte to diffuse into and out of said sensor. The sensor is illuminated transdermally, and the fluorescence from the fluorescence reagent associated with the presence of the analyte is measured.

Abstract: An improved multi-layered diagnostic sanitary test strip for receiving a heterogenous fluid, such as whole blood, to test for presence and/or amount of a suspected analyte in the fluid by facilitating a color change in the strip corresponding to the amount of the analyte in the fluid, wherein the test strip includes fluid volume control dams to prevent spillage of the fluid from the strip and a chemical reagent solution that facilitates end-point testing. The improved test strip comprises (a) an upper support strip having a fluid receiving port and (b) a lower support strip having a color change viewing port and securely sandwiched therebetween (c) a spreading mesh screen for uniformly distributing the fluid, (d) a chemically treated separating layer for removing an undesirable element, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the technique for immobilizing an analyte onto a solid surface for use in a competitive immunoassay. The improvement involves immobilizing the analyte on the solid surface by reacting the analyte or derivative thereof with polyethylene glycol which has been functionalized with a group which is reactive with the analyte contacting the resulting conjugate with the solid surface to thereby immobilize the analyte.

Abstract: A hemoglobin derivative-containing sample is treated with a treating reagent containing 2-butanol and then immunologically analyzed to determine the quantity of the hemoglobin derivative. By the treatment with 2-butanol, the immunological determination for the hemoglobin derivative, particularly HbA.sub.1c, can be attained with high sensitivity by a simple procedure. Since 2-butanol-containing treating reagent does not affect the enzymatic activity, the homogeneous enzyme immunoassay with high sensitivity is realized.

Abstract: Described is a method for differentiating the vaginal secretory fluid or cervical mucus of a pregnant woman suffering from threatened premature delivery, which comprises measuring an amount of Interleukin-8 in the vaginal secretory fluid or cervical mucus. The above method makes it possible to differentiate the vaginal secretory fluid or the like of the pregnant woman suffering from threatened premature delivery with good sensitivity and therefore is useful for the detection, treatment or the like of premature delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the direct detection of analytes using color changes that occur in immobilized biopolymeric material in response to selective binding of analytes to their surface. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions related to the encapsulation of biopolymeric material into metal oxide glass using the sol-gel method.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric assay for the detection of acetaminophen in aqueous fluids can be carried out with a dry analytical element. The element comprises a support having thereon one or more reagent layers containing a first enzyme, aryl acylamidase, to cleave the amide bond of acetaminophen to produce p-aminophenol; a second enzyme, ascorbic acid oxidase, to oxidize the p-aminophenol so that it couples to a water soluble coupling agent to form a dye that is read at 670 nm. The assay is precise, accurate on serum and plasma samples, and relatively free from significant interferences. The element also allows measurement over a broad dynamic range.

Abstract: A human glycyrrhetinic-acid-like factor which inhibits certain enzymes in pathways of steroid hormone degradation is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides hapten derivatives that are useful for the preparation of antigenic, antibody and label reagents having superior performance characteristics for use in immunoassays for the detection of d-propoxyphene and d-nor-propoxyphene. In the present invention the propoxyphene nucleus is derivatized out of the nitrogen center to form an aminoalkyl -carboxyl, or -hydroxyl haptenic derivative. The resulting hapten can then be further modified at the now functionalized position off the nitrogen for linking to an appropriate antigenic or labeling group to provide reagents for propoxyphene immunoassays having excellent sensitivity and selectivity for both d-propoxyphene and d-nor-propoxyphene.

Abstract: A method of detecting the infestation of a host by arthropod ectoparasites uses a fluorescent dye which stains the ectoparasites and/or their eggs but not the adjacent skin or hair to which they are attached. The dye can be incorporated into a shampoo or a rinsing solution and is applied to the scalp or other region of the host. After a suitable period of time has elapsed, the dye-containing solution or shampoo is rinsed off and the hair and adjacent area of the host examined under ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet light. Such illumination will cause the stained ectoparasites and/or eggs to glow and, thus, become easily detectable for diagnosis and subsequent removal. The method may be applied to detect scabies (i.e. skin-burrowing mites), head lice, body and pubic lice and to any other arthropod ectoparasites and their eggs containing a substantial percentage of chitin.

Abstract: HIV- and influenza virus-infected cells secrete .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase into the blood stream. Secretion of .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase is also associated with cancer. Elevated levels of .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase in the blood stream result in the deglycosylation of the Gc protein. This inactivates the MAF precursor activity of the Gc protein, leading to immunosuppression. Thus, the .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in a patient's bloodstream can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic index. Antibody-sandwich ELISA methods and kits for .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase as an antigen were developed to detect serum or plasma .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in patients and are used as a diagnostic/prognostic index.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, Serex A93, recognizes peptide linked pyridinoline in Type I bone collagen fragments and can be used to quantitate bone resorption. The hybridoma producing this antibody has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md., under accession number HB-12254. The epitope reactive with the antibody is stable to acid hydrolysis and therefore is not a linear peptide. The antibody recognizes pyridinoline in bound or conjugated form, but not in the free form found in urine. The antibody is useful in immunoassays for determining bone resorption, utilizing body fluids such as urine, saliva, blood, or sweat.

Abstract: A device and related method for performing one or more immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual readout, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: Stabilized particle reagents suitable for use in turbidimetric immunoassays are disclosed. The stabilized particle reagents contain functionalized polymer particles in which the surface of the particle has been modified with a molecular surface modifier having the structure:R(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2in which: R is --H, --CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, and n is an integer between 2 and 10, inclusive. The stabilized particle reagents are resistant to premature or spontaneous aggregation during preparation or storage.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel fused-azacylic quinoxalinediones. These compounds may be employed as excitatory amino acid antagonists and as analogs for use in immunological assays. The invention is also directed to both a radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay for detecting and quantitating 1,4,7,8,9,10,-hexahydro-9-methyl-6-nitropyrido[3,4-f]-quinoxaline-2,3-dion e PNQX and analogs thereof.

Abstract: A method of preventing false detection of signal due to splashing of reagent liquid used to produce such signal, when dispensing at least one such liquid from a metering tip into a second liquid, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the metering tip a predetermined distance above the upper level of the second liquid prior to dispensing the one liquid; andb) while maintaining the distance throughout the dispensing of the one liquid, dispensing the one liquid;wherein the predetermined distance is between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm so that splashing during dispensing is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topiramate immunoassay and reagents for use in the immunoassay. In particular, topiramate is derivatized at the sulfamate moiety or the 9-carbon or 10-carbon methyl group of topiramate to add a label bound directly or through a linking group for use as a tracer (competitive analyte analog) or to add a linking group bound to a carrier for use as an immunogen to induce anti-topiramate antibodies. Immunoassay methods and kits are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detection of low levels of about 1 ppb of analyte in samples using an enclosed permeable membrane enrichment device and agglutination reaction slide test apparatus.

Abstract: Novel analogs of phencyclidine (PCP) are disclosed. The analogs are capable of reacting with anti-PCT antibodies and are useful in immunoassays.The following analogs are described: ##STR1## wherein wherein X is --OH or a reporter molecule selected from the group consisting of aminofluorescein and aminomethylfluorescein and n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive.

Abstract: A conjugate consisting of a sequence of the analyte and an antibody against one of the antibodies used in the test can be employed, in aqueous solution and in precisely known quantity, as a stable calibrator in a sandwich immunoassay for detecting the analyte.

Abstract: A method of assessing glycated blood protein in a sample which comprises separating glycated and non-glycated protein using a liquid phase precipitation reagent, contacting the sample with a signal forming agent capable of binding preferentially to the glycated protein, and assessing the signal forming agents.

Abstract: A method for predicting the presence of deep vein thrombosis in a patient comprises measuring the concentration of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 in the venous blood of the patient and comparing it to an established baseline concentration. A concentration in the patients venous blood higher than the established baseline concentration is predictive of the presence of deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: An immunoassay directed at certain analytes that have benzene rings, such that the immunoreactive standard used is less volatile than the analyte, and kits for performing the assay.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting toxins and pollutants is disclosed. The kit includes a transgenic organism having a stress-inducible control region linked to a gene encoding a detectable protein wherein said control region regulates the expression of said detectable protein; exposing said organism to said sample; and determining the amount of detectable protein produced. Exposure of this organism to a toxin or pollutant induces the production of the detectable protein which can be easily measured. This invention provides a rapid and reliable system for testing samples for the presence of toxins or pollutants.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of polycarboxylic acid polymers to enhance the performance of immunochemical assays for the quantitation of aminoglycoside antibiotics in biological samples. This invention is also concerned with the improved homogeneous, immunochemical detection assays resulting from the use of said polycarboxylic acid polymers in said assays.

Abstract: A cell bioassay is provided for determining the presence in a fluid sample of a sodium channel-activating toxin wherein (a) a fluid sample is incubated in the presence of a culture of cells which express voltage-gated sodium channels and which are responsive in a dose-dependent manner to sodium channel-activating toxins and a medium comprising an agent which causes persistent activation of the voltage-gated sodium channel; (b) the culture is incubated with a medium comprising an indicator which is acted upon by living cells to generate a discernable result, (c) the culture is observed for an incidence of the result, and an observation of the result is correlated with the presence of the toxin in the sample. A simplified assay where steps (a) and (b) are effected together also is provided, as is a cell bioassay for determining the sodium channel affect of a toxin in a fluid sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the stability and increasing the activity of polymer particle reagents by incubating a polymer particle which has been covalently bound to a compound of biological interest, such as a drug, with a modifying agent that will place a negative charge on the surface of the polymer particle and reduce residual functional groups. The modifying agent is preferably an anionic nucleophile selected from the group consisting of .beta.- mercaptoacetic acid and the thiosulfates.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the accumulation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), which are predicated on the discovery that such AGEs are present in tobacco and its byproducts. More particularly, the methods focus on the observation that individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco have increased levels of AGEs over non-smoking individuals. The present methods relate to the measurement of AGE levels in both individuals and in tobacco and its byproduct, smoke. Methods are also disclosed for the evaluation of the tobacco products to determine their storage status and organoleptic capacity and potential, as well as for the treatment of the ambient to lower AGE levels. For example, air or other samples may be taken and evaluated by a dosimeter or like device, to determine whether AGE levels exceed normal, after which measures could be implemented to remediate the ambient condition. All such methods and corresponding materials are contemplated and included.

Abstract: Fluorescence immunoassays methods are provided which use fluorescent dyes which are free of aggregation and serum binding. Such immunoassay methods are thus, particularly useful for the assay of biological fluids, such as serum, plasma, whole blood and urine.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment or both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, by active immunization and also passive immunization.

Abstract: Ligands that interact with a target can be more easily identified if false positive interactions (either specific or non-specific) from the detecting system are differentiated from the target-specific interaction. An improved method of identifying peptides which bind with a target protein is presented. The steps are: binding a random library of peptides to a support material, allowing detection reagents to contact the peptides and the support material then identifying these interactions, then allowing the target protein to selectively bind to the peptides, allowing detection reagents to contact the bound target protein, and characterizing the peptide bound to the identified support material. Interaction of a ligand or the support material with the detection reagents will cause a distinct color change which distinguishes those ligands which selectively bind to target protein. The characterized peptide can then be used in affinity purification of the target protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions of morphogenic proteins constituting soluble forms of these proteins, antibodies that distinguish between soluble and mature forms, and method for producing these morphogenic proteins and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting and diagnosing myocardial infarction which detects myocardial infarction by immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody having specific reactivity for human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as obtained by using human HGF as immunogen as well as a disganostic agent for myocardial infarction which comprises, as essential component thereof, the monoclonal antibody mentioned above. The method of the present invention makes it possible to detect and diagnose patients with myocardial infarction.