Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for therapeutically treating mammals, including but not limited to humans, to increase the relative insulin producing performance of endogenous pancreatic &bgr;-cells and to cause differentiation of pancreatic epithelial cells into insulin producing &bgr;-cells. Oral administration a DP IV inhibitor causes the active form of GLP-1 to be preserved longer under physiological conditions. The extended presence of GLP-1, in particular in the pancreatic tissue facilitates differentiation and regeneration of the &bgr;-cells already present that are in need of repair. These repaired insulin producing cells can contribute to the correction and maintenance of normal physiological glycemic levels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for transforming hematopoietic cells, in particular, T lymphocytes. The method involves co-culturing target cells, such as T lymphocytes, with pseudo-viral particles comprising a foreign DNA sequence.

Abstract: A method of raising the blood sugar level in a mammal having hypoglycemia is described. The method reduces degradation of glucagon by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and physiologically acceptable adjuvants and/or excipients.

Abstract: Novel therapeutic regimens are provided which comprise the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of an inhibitor to dipeptidyl peptidase (DP-IV) or enzymes of similar activity whereby their ability to degrade the incretins, GLP-1 and GIP, is reduced. As a result hyperglycemia, such as that accompanying food intake may be reduced due to improved insulin release. A preferred therapeutic regimen amongst a number of routes of administration and inhibitors that may be used comprises the oral administration of isoleucyl thiazolidine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production in vitro of cell growth supportive surfaces comprising naturally secreted human extracellular matrix material comprising biologically active agents such as growth factors ideally produced and elaborated by the extracellular matrix-secreting cells. The present invention provides an efficient method for improving growth factor potency and extending half-life in order to promote cell attachment, growth and/or differentiation. The surfaces of the present invention enable propagation of difficult cells in culture.

Abstract: Magnetic separation devices are described for use in immunoassay or hybridization assay procedures. The most preferred embodiments comprise a defined relationship between microtube and microtiter plate receiving orifices and rare earth cobalt magnets having predetermined magnetic field orientations.

Abstract: A new method for releasing sample nucleic acids from cells, bacteria and viruses comprises non-invasively sonicating the sample contained within a sample container brought into physical contact with the vibrating element of a sonicator tuned to resonate at a frequency of 40 KHz or greater.

Abstract: A rodent epithelioid cell transformed with a recombinant DNA vector including a DNA sequence encoding human erythropoietin, the transformed cell being capable of producing N-linked and O-linked glycosylated human erythropoietin.

Abstract: A method of resolving glycidyl esters to high enantiomeric excess involves fractionation of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. lipases) to prepare biocatalysts with high enantioselectivity, and using these catalysts to selectively hydrolyze one enantiomer of the glycidyl esters. Also a method for fractionation includes stirring an aqueous solution of the enzyme with a solid inert adsorbent to provide an adsorbed and non-adsorbed enzyme fraction, where the non-adsorbed fraction displays a higher enantioselectivity than the crude non-fractionated enzyme. Also a composition composed of a glycidyl ester is obtained with an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to 97%.

Abstract: Biologically active heterodimeric human FSH composed of an alpha subunit and a beta subunit, each subunit being synthesized by a cell having an expression vector containing heterologous DNA encoding the subunit.

Abstract: A method of extracting nucleic acids from a crude buffy coat fraction in an aqueous medium includes the steps of treating the buffy coat fraction to break open the white blood cells to release the proteins and the nucleic acids in the cells into the aqueous medium; solubilizing the proteins and the nucleic acids in the aqueous medium; and precipitating the nucleic acids under conditions under which the proteins remain in solution.

Abstract: A method is provided for substantially increasing the dynamic range of an immunoassay and forestalling the hook effect observed with very large ligand concentrations in aqueous samples. The method comprises the addition of ligand binding partners which do not have labels associated therewith to compete with labeled ligand binding partners thereby effectively eliminating the presence of the excess ligand in the sample solution. The conversant method for ligand binding partner immunoassays is also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of proximal convoluted tubule causing diseases or kidney harmful drug monitoring by detecting the presence of shed normal proximal tubule associated antigens in a body fluid such as urine. The preferred embodiment employs an ELISA sandwich format wherein one monoclonal antibody specific for a first epitopic site on said antigen is immobilized on a solid phase and a second antibody, specific for a second epitopic site on said antigen is directly or indirectly labeled.

Abstract: Improved methods for the determination of clotting times of fibrinogen. APTT and PT are provided. Surprising and unexpected accuracy is obtained by combining a backward-looking approach to determine a desired range of values over times T1 and T2, selected in accordance with predetermined percentages of the observed Vmax, thereby avoiding early false positives due to noise and other inhomogeneities from reagent sample mixing. Thereafter, a regression analysis is performed over the time period T1 and T2 and from the derived function, the coagulation time is determined by calculating the time associated with the predetermined percentage of Vmax.

Abstract: A removable U.V. light array assembly for use in a photoactivatable agent, patient treatment system wherein photoactivatable agents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: There is provided an inexpensive disposable temperature monitoring probe for use in a patient treatment system wherein photoactivatable agents, in contact with patient cells, are irradiated extracorporeally to photoactivate said agents and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: Pump block for interfacing an irradiation chamber with a roller pump in an apparatus for use in a photoactivatable agent, patient treatment system wherein photoactivatable agents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides simulating hydrophilic envelope regions and antibodies specific therefor useful for the detection of Human T-cell Leukemia virus or naturally occurring immunoglobulin against HTLV.

Abstract: Methods for attaching one component of a ligand-anti-ligand pair onto a solid phase surface. The component may be attached to a photoactivatable cross-linker capable of coupling the component to a colloidal medium coating the surface or alternatively, the component may be coupled to a bead and held in place against the surface by an overlay of the colloidal media having voids and spaces smaller than the diameter of the particle but large enough to permit diffusion of the other of the ligand-anti-ligand pair to be detected.

Abstract: Automatic operating zero insertion force socket for use in a photoactivatable reagent treatment system wherein photoactivatable agents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.