Abstract: Methodology is provided for developing probes for identifying sequence differences between two related DNA populations, sets of DNA fragments or collections of restriction-endonuclease-cleaved DNA. The method employs an initial stage to obtain a representation of both DNA populations, namely using the PCR to produce relatively short fragments, referred to as amplicons. Tester amplicons containing target DNA, sequences of interest, are ligated to adaptors and mixed with excess driver amplicons under melting and annealing conditions, followed by PCR amplification. The process may be repeated so as to greatly enrich the target DNA. Optionally, the target DNA may then be cloned and the DNA used as probes.

Abstract: Methods and chimeric immunocompromised hosts comprising functional xenogeneic organs are provided, particularly hematopoietic organs, where the xenogeneic organ is engrafted into a mammary fat pad. Exemplary is the engrafting of lymph node with mesenteric tissue comprising small portions of blood vessels transplanted into mammary fat pad of a scid/scid mouse. The engraftment in the mammary fat pad provides for efficiencies in transplantation, higher success rate of transplantation, and improved growth of the transplanted organ.

Abstract: Atherogenesis and restenosis are treated by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes. In addition, cells may be genetically engineered to provide a component in the synthetic pathway to nitric oxide, so as drive the process to enhance nitric oxide concentration, particularly in conjunction with the administration of a nitric oxide precursor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Devices are provided for producing plasma or serum from blood samples, where the plasma or serum is substantially free of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and metabolites and degradation products thereof. The sample can be used in various assays without interference from the interfering components of red blood cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing heterologous proteins in a micrcorganism host, particularly bacterium, without fusion to an endogenous protein. Particularly, the heterologous gene may be inserted into a vector comprising an endogenous gene, where the heterologous gene is preceded by a ribosomal binding site. A heterologous enzyme functional in a bacterial host is demonstrated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting HLA polymorphs where distinguishing antibodies are not readily available. Cross-reactive antibodies are employed, where one cross-reacts with the HLA of interest and other alleles, and the other cross-reacts with one of the other alleles, but not with the HLA of interest. By appropriate protocols and controls, the polymorph of interest may be detected.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining the prognosis of human breast carcinoma through in vitro or in vivo detection of an antigen expressed and shed by cancer cells. The presence of this antigen is positively correlated with the presence of cancer and the number of cells expressing this antigen is correlated with a high incidence of tumor relapse, distant relapse and shortened relapse-free survival time.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of analytes. The method employs a fluorescence production layer which comprises a fluorescent polymerized polyunsaturated lipid layer in association with a ligand which is a member of a specific binding pair, where the ligand is competitive with the analyte for the complementary binding member or is a complementary binding member. By providing for a fluorescence modulation reagent which binds to the fluorescence production layer in proportion to the amount of analyte in the sample, by measuring the resulting fluorescence after carrying out the assay methodology, the amount of analyte can be determined quantitatively.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for carrying out assays with minimal technical training where quantitative visual determinations may be made. The devices provide for a flow-path where a sample receiving element is moved from a sample receiving position to a position where it serves to bridge a transport element and a measurement element, so that the sample may be transported from the sample element to the measurement region. Labelled conjugates are provided which migrate a distance into the measurement region related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Human lymphoid tissue is introduced into an immunocompromised host to provide opportunities to investigate the effect of stimuli on the human immune system and obtain information and products from the stimulus. Particularly, methodology is provided for the production of human monoclonal antibodies by introducing lymphoid tissue into an immunocompromised host, stimulating the B-lymphocytes with an appropriate immunogen, harvesting the tissue and immortalizing and/or cloning the B-lymphocytes under conditions to obtain a stable supply of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are offered for reducing nerve injury pain associated with shingles (herpes-zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia), where intradermal delivery of lidocaine is maintained for a predetermined period of time. The lidocaine appears to specifically affect the damaged nerve fibers, while leaving the undamaged and normal nerve fibers with retention of response to other stimuli. Lidocaine formulations are provided which allow for the necessary dosage of the lidocaine in the dermis during the period of treatment. The formulation may be covered with an occlusive or non-occlusive dressing, which protects the lidocaine formulation from mechanical removal and enhances the transport of the lidocaine into the dermis. Long term relief is realized after maintenance of the administration of lidocaine has been terminated.

Abstract: A process for supporting hematopoietic progenitor cells in a culture medium which contains at least one cytokine effective for supporting the cells, and preferably, is essentially free of stromal cells.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis. Gel molds are provided for forming the lanes in a gel plate, as well as a light module, for reading the bands present in the gel lanes with the photometer.

Abstract: Systems are provided for the detection of hydrogen peroxide for determination of analytes, where a N-alkylated 3-oxyaniline derivative is covalently bonded to a bibulous support and the other component for forming an indamine dye may be non-covalently bound to the support. Upon passage of a transport medium across the support in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and a peroxidase, an indamine dye is formed. Where a limited amount of hydrogen peroxide is introduced at a site proximal to one end of the support, and the hydrogen peroxide migrates toward the other end, the distance of color development will be related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide, which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A laminated assay device for use in determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample involving a bibulous assay strip having a sample application zone, a reagent zone and a pair of liquid impervious barriers defining a measurement zone extending from and in fluid communication with the application zone. The measurement zone has a volume measuring the amount of sample required for the assay. A substantially nonabsorbent first supporting film extends across and is laminated to the front surface of the assay strip, while a substantially nonabsorbent second supporting film extends across and is laminated to the back surface of the assay strip. The assay strip is impregnated with the members of a signal producing system which, upon reaction with a component in the sample, produce a detectable signal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing and utilizing nucleic acid and peptide sequences associated with cofactors which bind to transcription factors to enhance transcriptional activity of the transcriptional factors and maintain the transcriptional factors as dimers. The compositions can be used for modulating expression of genes, particularly coordinately regulated genes, as evidenced by the combination of the transcription factors HNF-1.alpha. and -1.beta. with the cofactor DCoH.

Abstract: Novel antibodies that recognize endothelial cell surface molecules and block leukocyte extravasation are provided. These antibodies recognize tissue-specific endothelial cell surface molecules and block lymphocyte migration from the blood into tissues such as mucosal lymphoid organs and peripheral lymph nodes. Novel endothelial cell surface proteins involved in leukocyte extravasation and having a molecular weight of approximately 58,000 to 69,000 daltons and express a tissue-specific determinant are also described. The antibodies are used in an immunotherapeutic method to treat individuals having a disease or inflammation-associated pathology in which leukocyte extravasation plays a role.

Abstract: Heteromultimeric fluorophores are provided for binding to DNA, which allow for the detection of DNA in electrical separations and preparation of probes having high-fluorescent efficiencies and large Stokes shifts. In addition, by appropriate choice of fluorescent molecules, one can use a single narrow wavelength band excitation light source, while obtaining fluorescent emissions having sufficient separation to be readily discriminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of preparations of the plant Curcuma longa or other curcumin-containing plants, curcumin or curcumin derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of conditions associated with excessive formation of leucotrienes and/or prostaglandins and to the use of preparations of the plant Curcuma longa or other curcumin-containing plants, curcumin or curcumin derivatives for the production of medicaments for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of conditions associated with excessive formation of leucotrienes and/or prostaglandins.